What the hell has this country come to?

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-28573788

“The Atlas V rockets that launch America’s defence and intelligence satellites are powered by engines – called RD-180s – that are bought from Russia.

“In essence, America needs Russian technology to spy on Russia.

“And the supply line is looking increasingly vulnerable.”

Now try the desperate and futile Department of Defense, in a futile effort to make the F-35 competitive.  By the time they get it done it w

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/03/us-lockheed-f-idUSBREA020VA20140103

“According to Pentagon documents reviewed by Reuters, chief U.S. arms buyer Frank Kendall allowed two F-35 suppliers, Northrop Grumman Corp and Honeywell International Inc, to use Chinese magnets for the new warplane’s radar system, landing gears and other hardware. Without the waivers, both companies could have faced sanctions for violating federal law and the F-35 program could have faced further delays.

“It was a pretty big deal and an unusual situation because there’s a prohibition on doing defense work in China, even if it’s inadvertent,” said Frank Kenlon, who recently retired as a senior Pentagon procurement official and now teaches at American University. “I’d never seen this happen before.”

“The Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, is examining three such cases involving the F-35, the U.S. military’s next generation fighter, the documents show.”

ill not climb nor turn, but they will change the requirements so that it will meet specs.