F-35 may be dropped as Japan's next fighter

[xchrom]

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110521a2.html

WASHINGTON — The F-35 stealth jet could be dropped from the list of potential candidates for Japan's next-generation fighter because lengthy delays have cropped up in its development, according to diplomatic and defense sources.

Instead, the F/A-18 Super Hornet is expected to be picked to replace Japan's F-15 Eagle fleet, the sources said Thursday.

The F-35 Lightning 2 stealth fighter has long been considered the front-runner.

Michael Gilmore, director of operational test and evaluation at the U.S. Department of Defense, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that operational testing of the F-35 will begin in spring 2017.

[KeepItReal]

1. They can buy 2 Super Hornets for the price of one F-35

And start taking deliveries as soon as they can get them off the assembly line.