Joint strike figter competition

The Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) program was created in 1993, implementing one of the recommendations of a United States Department of Defense (DoD) "Bottom-Up Review." (The review also led the Pentagon to continue the F-22 and F/A-18E/F programs, cancel the Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) and the A/F-X programs, and curtail F-16 and F/A-18C/D procurement.)

Two contracts to develop prototypes were awarded on 16 November 1996; one each to Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Each firm would produce two aircraft to demonstrate conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL), carrier takeoff and landing (CV version), and short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL).

The contract for System Development and Demonstration (SDD) was awarded on 26 October 2001, to Lockheed Martin, whose X-35 beat the Boeing X-32. DoD officials and the UK Minister of Defence Procurement said the X-35 consistently outperformed the X-32, although both met or exceeded requirements.

On February 19, 2006, the first F-35 (USAF version) was rolled out in Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft will undergo extensive ground testing and then flight tests in the fall.

Sources:
F-35 Lightning II
LOCKHEED MARTIN TEAM WINS JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER COMPETITION, PLEDGES FULL COMMITMENT TO THIS CORNERSTONE OF FUTURE DEFENSE CAPABILITY

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: SDD Contracts & Events FY 2006