U.S. Grounds Entire F-35 Fleet Over Engine Issues
The Pentagon on Friday grounded its fleet of F-35 fighter jets after discovering a cracked engine blade in one plane.The problem was discovered during what the Pentagon called a routine inspection at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., of an F-35A, the Air Force version of the sleek new plane. The Navy and the Marine Corps are buying other versions of the F-35, which is intended to replace older fighters like the Air Force F-16 and the Navy F/A-18.
All versions — a total of 51 planes — were grounded Friday pending a more in-depth evaluation of the problem discovered at Edwards. None of the planes have been fielded for combat operations; all are undergoing testing.The move came nine days after the Pentagon cleared the F-35B jump-jet variant, designed for the U.S. Marines, to resume tests after a monthlong suspension. Both suspensions are due to problems with the engines. It also comes at a time when the program is facing increased scrutiny from lawmakers and senior DoD officials.The fault was detected during a routine inspection of an air force version of the jet (F-35A) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, said the Pentagon.Different versions are flown by the navy and the marine corps. All have been grounded.The F-35 is the Pentagon's most expensive weapons programme. with a cost of nearly $400bn (£260bn).The Pentagon said flight operations would remain suspended until the root cause is established.Bates added that the engine with the crack has 700 total engine operating hours, with 409 of those accrued in flight.He believes the engine analysis should take “roughly” a week.The F-35B was initially grounded after a Jan. 16 test flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., was aborted due to an engine problem that was later identified as a fueldraulic system failure in the jet.Friday’s suspension of flight operations will remain in effect until an investigation of the problem’s root cause is determined.The Pentagon said the engine in which the problem was discovered is being shipped to a Pratt & Whitney facility in Connecticut for more thorough evaluation.
The Pentagon on Friday grounded its fleet of F-35 fighter jets after discovering a cracked engine blade in one plane.The problem was discovered during what the Pentagon called a routine inspection at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., of an F-35A, the Air Force version of the sleek new plane. The Navy and the Marine Corps are buying other versions of the F-35, which is intended to replace older fighters like the Air Force F-16 and the Navy F/A-18.
All versions — a total of 51 planes — were grounded Friday pending a more in-depth evaluation of the problem discovered at Edwards. None of the planes have been fielded for combat operations; all are undergoing testing.The move came nine days after the Pentagon cleared the F-35B jump-jet variant, designed for the U.S. Marines, to resume tests after a monthlong suspension. Both suspensions are due to problems with the engines. It also comes at a time when the program is facing increased scrutiny from lawmakers and senior DoD officials.The fault was detected during a routine inspection of an air force version of the jet (F-35A) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, said the Pentagon.Different versions are flown by the navy and the marine corps. All have been grounded.The F-35 is the Pentagon's most expensive weapons programme. with a cost of nearly $400bn (£260bn).The Pentagon said flight operations would remain suspended until the root cause is established.Bates added that the engine with the crack has 700 total engine operating hours, with 409 of those accrued in flight.He believes the engine analysis should take “roughly” a week.The F-35B was initially grounded after a Jan. 16 test flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., was aborted due to an engine problem that was later identified as a fueldraulic system failure in the jet.Friday’s suspension of flight operations will remain in effect until an investigation of the problem’s root cause is determined.The Pentagon said the engine in which the problem was discovered is being shipped to a Pratt & Whitney facility in Connecticut for more thorough evaluation.
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