Kendall - Concerned with F-35 software, reliability, logistics support = "cautiously optimistic"

Q and A with Frank.

Q. What is your view on the state of the F-35 program?

A. I’m cautiously optimistic. I put out a decision memorandum recently outlining some of the things that need to be emphasized. The airframe itself is making reasonable progress through its test program. I’m concerned about the operational software. I’m concerned about reliability, which is going to be an important driver for future cost and sustainment. And I’m concerned about the logistics support system.

Q. Are you confident the F-35 production numbers could start increasing?

A. Consistent with what budgets are going to be, we’re going to try to ramp up production. I’ve got a budget, I think, to ramp up production. Our allies help us a lot there. There are a lot of foreign sales coming in the next round.

H/T-Mark