The fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter program is facing a new problem — a shortage of Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, Defense News reports, citing the Pentagon.
According to the publication, first, while the maintenance of power plants can not be carried out in the scheduled time and, secondly, some engines have premature wear of the coating of the rotor blades.
A Pentagon spokesman called the difficulties "a serious readiness issue." According to forecasts that take into account the current situation, by 2022, from 5 to 6 percent of the F-35 Lightning II fleet may remain without engines.
Among the causes trouble F135, lists the increase in the volume of repairs, lack of access to technical data, the delay in taking the necessary engineering solutions, a lack of equipment and qualified personnel.
The elimination of the above-mentioned factors, according to the publication, will require several months and involves, in particular, strengthening the repair and maintenance shifts working with the F135.
In January, Christopher Miller, the acting Secretary of Defense, called the F-35 Lightning II program a piece of shit.
Ivan Potapov
