F-35 fleet grounded after engine crack found
WASHINGTON (AP) - 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.
In a brief written statement, the Pentagon said it is too early to know the full impact of the newly discovered problem.
A watchdog group, the Project on Government Oversight, said the grounding is not likely to mean a significant delay in the effort to field the stealthy aircraft.
"The F-35 is a huge problem because of its growing, already unaffordable, cost and its gigantically disappointing performance," the group's Winslow Wheeler said. "That performance would be unacceptable even if the aircraft met its far-too-modest requirements, but it is not."
The F-35 is the Pentagon's most expensive weapons program at a total estimated cost of nearly $400 billion. The Pentagon envisions buying more than 2,400 F-35s, but some members of Congress are balking at the price tag.
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 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.
In a brief written statement, the Pentagon said it is too early to know the full impact of the newly discovered problem.
A watchdog group, the Project on Government Oversight, said the grounding is not likely to mean a significant delay in the effort to field the stealthy aircraft.
"The F-35 is a huge problem because of its growing, already unaffordable, cost and its gigantically disappointing performance," the group's Winslow Wheeler said. "That performance would be unacceptable even if the aircraft met its far-too-modest requirements, but it is not."
The F-35 is the Pentagon's most expensive weapons program at a total estimated cost of nearly $400 billion. The Pentagon envisions buying more than 2,400 F-35s, but some members of Congress are balking at the price tag.
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 F-35 is a huge problem because of its growing, already unaffordable, cost and its gigantically disappointing performance," the group's Winslow Wheeler said. "That performance would be unacceptable even if the aircraft met its far-too-modest requirements, but it is not."Â
I've read other articles saying the same thing...If they ever get the performance out of it that the 'dreamers' claimed it would do in order to pass the creation on them, they might be worth it...doubt they ever will though. Â
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these are supposed to protect us from cyber attacks from china, the invasion of millions of illegals, corrupt politicians, greedy banks, and rogue asteroids?Â
People are gonna complain about the costs, but it is well worth it. Â I was involved and briefed on the project back in 2001. Â I couldn't believe the specs I was seeing. Â Still couldn't grasp the amount of efficiency the powerplant was able to attain.
Not to mention the ingenious design of making a driveshaft capable of 300,000 Â RPM's to drive the lift fan in the center of the fuselage. Â The fact it can handle such stress.... Â Still can't wrap my head around it. Â Not to mention it facilitates supersonic velocity without the use of an afterburner. Â VSTOL, stealth, and a fair payload.
I'd say that's a suitable replacement for the F-14. 15, 16, F/A18's of old. Â Remember people, developing next generation avaition is never cheap and easy. Â But to say it doesn't further our technological evolution is unfounded.
The cracked blade is NOT a result of poor engineering or "Made in China" construction. Â That's just laughable. More like the INCREDIBLE forces enacted using the lift fan. Â For the record, $400 Million for development of such a highly advanced airfoil is actually quite CHEAP. Â Also, this airfoil will replace our entire existing obsolete fleet. Â F-35's and F-22's
It is an unmatched platform. Â Want to talk about a waste of resources? Â Look at our existing platforms that are generally 25+ years old.
@Silver Surfer You were getting some of the cost? good for you
$400 billion just to develop it. Then the Pentagon has to start buying it, cracked engines and all. Reminds me of the original Robocop.
The part was made in china
Why is there a photo of an F-16 on a story about the F-35?
$400 billion! What a waste of money! Where is the terrorism at!?
Are you contending the Pentagon does not care about how much money they spend....hog wash! Â Remember this little ditty the day before 9/11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kpWqdPMjmo