Hate to agree with Sultan, but....
Spline,
I hate to agree with Sultan, but trying to make JMR contract performance comparisons to any previous programs (especially commercial) are flawed. Every program has its own unique issues. These include; changing customer requirements, delays in funding, bad teaming agreements, and many more.
But the JMR demonstrator competition provides a clear and honest comparison of performance to contract.
Both the SB>1 team and Bell committed to the same performance and schedule requirements. Excuses by SB>1 managers that meeting the first flight date was not as important as their system integration and propulsion system testing being completed is a diversion from the truth. Bell also has to perform these tests to allow for First Flight.
As far as the SB>1 team facing greater technical challenges, Pat Donnelly the Boeing Defiant program manager clearly stated this was not the case. In his words "Things are not happening as quickly as we would like".
If Bell succeeds in flying on schedule, it will be a true David versus Goliath story.