Oh! You Wanted Planes that DON'T Go Berserk?

Good news! The Air Force has confirmed that it has fixed a glitch in the operating systems of 87 F-22 Raptor fighter jets. The "glitch" caused the operating systems of the plane to shut down (specifically "crippling navigation systems and hindering communications") after the aircraft crossed the International Date Line.

The problem was first noticed during the inaugural flight of 6 of the aircraft on February 10th. The flight from Hawaii to Japan was supposed to showcase for the F-22's abilities for the Japanese in hopes of convincing them that the Raptor "is just what they needed to fend off communist Red China in some potential future conflict". The Air Force reports that the flaw in the operating systems of all 87 Raptors has been repaired by the planes' manufacturer, Lockheed Martin. As for the price tag to get jets with operating systems that don't shut down mid-flight, "Lockheed Martin declined to provide further comment on additional costs of the upgrades."

Who knew that "Operating System that doesn't get so confused by crossing the International Date Line that it shuts down its navigation and communication systems" was an upgrade. Clearly the Air Force thought it was included as well. Maybe "Plane must work" should be a line item from now on, but I’m no “Expert in U.S. Defense Contract Negotiations” so what do I know?

*Thanks to Will for the tip.