Most F-35 jets back in the air after fuel tube issue
Europe, News, US October 17, 2018 Comments Off on Most F-35 jets back in the air after fuel tube issueMost F-35 jets have been cleared and returned to flight status after the entire fleet was grounded last week due to a fuel tube issue
More than 80 percent of Pentagon’s F-35 joint strike fighters have been cleared and returned to flight status after the entire fleet was grounded last week due to a fuel tube issue.
“After completing inspections, more than 80 percent of operational F-35s have been cleared and returned to flight operations,” the F-35 joint program office said in a statement Monday.
The office adds that all U.S. military services and international partners have resumed flying with the cleared fifth-generation fighter jets.
The Pentagon last week grounded the Lockheed Martin-made aircraft to examine the fuel tubes within the engines, made separately by Pratt & Whitney. The fuel tubes, found in all F-35 variants, were suspected to be the cause of an F-35B crash on Sept. 28. near the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
The statement adds that the issue is not expected to impact F-35 deliveries and the program remains on track to meet its target of 91 aircraft delivered to military services and foreign customers this year.
“More than 1,500 suppliers are on the F-35 program and this is an isolated incident which is quickly being addressed and fixed,” the program office said in a statement. “Safety is our primary goal, and we will continue to take every measure to ensure safe operations while we execute our mission.”
The F-35 program is the most expensive weapons program in history and has received criticism for having had numerous issues including cost overruns and various technical problems.
Related Articles
IRIA Exclusive
IRIA Publications
Regions
