Multi-role aircraft aren&#x27;t a bad idea, so long as each role somewhat overlaps the other in requirements. Many well designed aircraft do 2-3 roles very well (e.g recon&#x2F;attack&#x2F;fighter roles).<p>If you mix in another role that doest&#x27;t match the hardware requirements of the first role that&#x27;s when you are asking for problems. CAS, SToVL are such examples that won&#x27;t blend with the first 3 without massive compromises. Full stealth is also a requirement that is rarely absolutely necessary, but adds to the cost and lowers performance of every other aspect of the plane.<p>When these compromises had been discovered the project should have been scrapped, the SToVL elements thrown out and a separate plane should have been procured for that role. Lots of components could be shared, just not the airframe.<p>I too believe the project is very near the edge now. It will survive as there is too much prestige invested, but if a few big players like Canada or Australia decide to get zero F-35&#x27;s the unit development cost would skyrocket which would force other buyers to to back out. If was LM I&#x27;d be sending huge lobbying checks to Canada right now.