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Many posters here are making definitive statements. Does anyone have expertise in this issue or know what they are talking about beyond repeating what they have read?

IIRC, Pierre Sprey represents one side in a political battle about aircraft design, but I hope someone here knows more about it than I do.

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This is dangerously close to an appeal to authority. Yes, Pierre Sprey has more experience, insight, and knowledge than I do when it comes to aircraft design. But you also have to judge him on when he's been wrong (ie the F-15), and to also realize that he has zero inside knowledge of the F-35.

Anybody with current experience can likely not talk about it, due to security clearance issues.

Exactly this. Lockheed tells its employees to be very careful about discussing the F-35 in public, lest information be inadvertently disclosed. Obtaining and maintaining a security clearance is a condition of employment in the defense world, so those who know and could clear up many of the disagreements cannot really say much. Even disclosing that you work on the program is not encouraged.

People with knowledge about airplane design, air force procurement, the personalities and politics involved, etc. could contribute quite a bit. They don't need to be Lockheed employees or to divulge top secret or proprietary information.

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