T43562,
Thanks for responding.
Yes, my bad there - it's quite possible for good clever hard working types to fail if the project is too hard. Sorry for not covering that angle, and thanks for pointing it out.
However, what does wring my withers ever so slightly is when people assert that the F-35 team have been stupid, or omitted obvious aspects of developing a powered lift aircraft. There I would disagree.
For what it's worth ( not much as I'm now retired and not doing it for real) my opinion (just opinion) is that the F-35 is an outstanding achievement and will take air combat a long way forward. It's not without faults, like any other aircraft. Others can and will disagree. That's all to the good.
Best regards as ever to those who deserve a little respect,
Engines