Defense News:
WASHINGTON — The F-35 has officially entered into its operation test phase, paving the way for a full rate production decision next year, the program office announced Dec. 6.
During initial operational test and evaluation, also known as IOT&E, the Joint Strike Fighter Operational Test Team will put the aircraft through its paces to “identify areas for improvement in the most stressing operationally representative environments,” the F-35 joint program office said in a statement.
The Pentagon’s independent weapons tester — Robert Behler, director of operational test and evaluation (DOT&E) — will oversee the effort and provide feedback to congressional and department leaders.
