Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

Test Uncovers Cracks on F-35 Test Plane

By Jake Meister | November 17, 2015

Share

The U.S. military has yet another problem related to the F-35. This time it’s an issue related to a test model.

Inspectors have found cracks in a part of the wing on the C-model variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II fighter, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense’s F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) said, according to a report by IHS Jane’s 360.

During the late October checkup on the test aircraft, workers found a crack in one of its 13 wing spars. The spokesperson, Joe DellaVedova, said the problem is being handled by the government and contracted engineers.

“Initial estimates indicate a modification of approximately a half a pound to the aircraft will fix it,” he told IHS. “Modifications to planes flying today will be incorporated to ensure full life operation.”

Right now, the government isn’t able to estimate how much the modifications will cost. The JPO said it doesn’t expect the cracks to negatively affect flying operations associated with any of the variants, nor does it think the issue will influence the Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the C-model, which the Navy hopes will occur in August 2018.

The military has certainty got a lot out of the test F-35C. In fact, the damaged article has been used for more than 13,700 test hours. DellaVedova told IHS that that amount of test hours is equivalent to 6,850 flight hours or more than 20 years of operational flying use. Those figures are especially whopping, considering that DellaVedova said all the F-35Cs that currently soar the skies have less than 250 flight hours.

It should also be noted that aircraft used for durability testing are purposefully pushed to the limit so that investigators can simulate operational flying, which makes it easier to spot flaws.


Filed Under: Aerospace + defense

 

Related Articles Read More >

Ontic acquires Servotek and Westcon product lines from Marsh Bellofram
Flexible rotary shafts support thrust reverser on 150 LEAP 1-A turbofan engines
Drone-mounted inspection breaks barriers for F-35
TriStar, a misunderstood failure of design

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Global supply needs drive increased manufacturing footprint development
  • How to Increase Rotational Capacity for a Retaining Ring
  • Cordis high resolution electronic proportional pressure controls
  • WAGO’s custom designed interface wiring system making industrial applications easier
  • 10 Reasons to Specify Valve Manifolds
  • Case study: How a 3D-printed tool saved thousands of hours and dollars

Design World Podcasts

May 17, 2022
Another view on additive and the aerospace industry
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings