F-22 Tests Lag; GAO Suggests Funding Delay

Flight tests of Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-22 stealth fighter are falling far enough behind schedule that Congress should examine whether to slow approval of production money for the most expensive U.S. weapons program, the General Accounting Office said Tuesday.

Technical and manufacturing problems during development are reducing the number of flight test hours for what the Defense Department sees as its top radar-evading, 21st-century fighter. The delay comes as Congress considers the first major chunk of production money--$800 million in the proposed budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.

Lockheed spokesman Ray Crockett had no immediate comment, saying he had yet to see the report.

Lockheed Martin shares fell $3.56 to close at $112.44 on the New York Stock Exchange.