STOVL F-35 Parts Run Into Unexpected Problems

Several parts on a variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter are failing more often than expected, say Lockheed Martin officials, as cited by the New York Times.

The problems are occurring on the F-35B, the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) type designed in part for the Marine Corps, said company officials.

The defects have forced the company to fly only 74 tests so far this year, 21 fewer than planned, said Robert Stevens, Lockheed's chief executive.

The parts with...