Image source: topwar.ru
At the moment, the Pentagon has suspended the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to customers due to the difficulties faced by the manufacturer Lockheed Martin in developing the TR-3 modification.
As indicated in the French edition of Zone Militaire, it mainly represents a software update that should pave the way for the creation of a new large-scale upgrade of the F-35 to the Block 4 level. At the same time, Lockheed Martin does not name the final dates for the completion of the TR-3.
- the publication says.
The F-35 in the Block 4 version is planned to be equipped with 66 functions. This will lead to an additional energy load necessary for the maintenance of new equipment and, in this regard, will require an upgrade of the aircraft's power plant. As it gets heavier, it will need better temperature control and more power.
Until recently, two options were discussed. One of them was a modification of the current F135 engine. Pratt Whitney has promised that it will be able to offer a solution that will increase flight range by 11% and provide improved thrust by 10%, as well as increase temperature control efficiency by 50%. Another option involved the installation of a three-circuit XA100 adaptive cycle engine developed by General Electric.
In the end, due to the lack of confidence in the possibility of installing the XA100 on all variants of the F-35, in particular on the deck version of the F-35B, the Pentagon preferred the Pratt Whitney solution, which also turned out to be cheaper.
Image source: topwar.ru
The issue of the power plant affects all countries awaiting F-35 deliveries, in particular Switzerland, which ordered 36 copies of the Block 4 in September 2022 for € 6 billion. According to the schedule, deliveries should begin in 2027 and be completed in three years.
- it is noted in the French press.
A representative of the Swiss Ministry of Defense acknowledged the need for new expenses. Earlier, the Blick newspaper was surprised about the additional investments:
As explained in the military department, if you do not install a new power plant, then the fighters will have to be serviced "a little more often" due to the shortened service life of the turbines. A Pentagon spokesman also reported premature wear of the turbine blades:
Against the background of the need to incur additional costs, a political scandal began to flare up in Switzerland:
- indicated in the local edition of Blick.
- said the politician Marion Schlatter from the Green Party.
