Whose Idea Was It?

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Adm. Michael Mullen says the decision to terminate the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s alternate engine program—a decision that prompted Congress to hold special hearings this week—was a joint decision between the Navy and the Air Force. (OK, but according to Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne, the idea originated with the Navy.) Mullen believes that technological advances obviate the need for an alternate engine source. He maintains that the reliability and economics added up to a savings of approximately $2 billion—the amount awarded to the alternate team of GE-Rolls Royce.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org