The U.S. Navy’s ‘Flying Dorito’ A-12 Avenger II Jet Didn’t Just Fail—It Triggered A 20-Year Legal War Over Classified Secrets

The U.S. Navy’s ‘Flying Dorito’ A-12 Avenger II Jet Didn’t Just Fail—It Triggered A 20-Year Legal War Over Classified Secrets

The A-12 Avenger II was conceived as a stealthy, carrier-based strike aircraft meant to replace the A-6 Intruder and penetrate heavily defended airspace. But when the Navy terminated the fixed-price contract for default in 1991, the program’s real legacy became a sprawling legal battle over money, accountability, and classified information. The Navy sought roughly $1.35 billion in progress payments, while the contractors fought to overturn the d…