"We are looking at clearances, pressures, temperatures, and vibration levels. We use lasers for measuring clearances. We use specialized devices called pyros for measuring temperatures in the turbine."

The entire program philosophy of JSF is to manufacture several different variants of the same basic design on a single production line. The Lockheed Martin team is demonstrating that philosophy every day with the design and of the X-35s.

High seas, cold temperatures, strong winds, and corrosive salt spray create a harsh environment for humans and machines at sea. ...The ability of an aircraft to operate effectively in these rigorous environments is called carrier suitability.