Kind of.
Sort of.
Sometimes.
Maybe.
Interesting theory. There has been no expanded flight envelop and no true operational testing. There is no true operational flight testing because there are no true and finished go to war mission systems, I guess we will have to take them at their word?
On the other hand, wing drop is no longer a performance issue for the F-35, contrary to claims in some quarters, our authoritative source at the Pentagon tells us. The issue is, as almost always, much more complex than that simple statement indicates, but it’s been 18 months since the issue surfaced and software fixes leave the Joint Strike Fighter in fine shape, this source says.
What happened? Basically, new algorithmns were written, tested in the trans-sonic envelope where most of the problems occurred and the services found a solution that didn’t completely eliminate all drop at all times but left the plane performing to the highest standards achievable. In short, they found a problem and fixed it to a standard all three services could live with.
Emphasis added.
As for ALIS? Lots of work to do their too.
I am sure that STOVL engine change aboard ship will be both fast and efficient.
