Morning Coffee 7-15-11

F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter

A robust blend of news from Pax River, NAVAIR, the Pentagon and beyond:

• DoD clears 249 civilian renewable energy projects, but none in Delaware or Maryland.
• Neany of Hollywood gets $10 million to test and deliver Helios UAV to Army.
• It’s getting ugly up on the Hill.
• Navy considers delaying or cutting new carriers.
• Israel’s JSF purchase plans moving forward.
• Pentagon faces mission choices.
• First 28 production JSFs blew budget by $1.15 billion, not $771 million.
• Senators ask Panetta for estimate to terminate JSF program. (subscription required)
• ONR renewing research focus on Naval Aviation. (subscription required)
• McCain opposes robbing Peter to pay JSF.
• Drunk boater ends up beached on Pax River seawall.