Interesting outlook (or blurred vision) on the happy state of affairs of F-35 program progress. Yet, here are just some of the problems with the F-35 program:
-Weight (affecting performance, STOVL, range, safety)
-Unknown fatigue (they don't know what they don't know)
-Buffet which affects…
-The faulty helmet which cannot use…
-DAS
-Airframe stress at Mach
-Flight limitations (dive limits) because fuel inerting can’t catch up.
-Associated lightning hazard
-Heat problems with the flight displays
-Cannot be flown at night.
-F-35C tailhook requires airframe redesign
-Wing rib replacement for A and B model
-Bulkhead problem with B model
-Various power-train issues with STOVL B model
-Fuel dumping unacceptable and requires a redesign
-Post flight logistics/maintenance data-link takes 30 minutes to download 1G of data. (1 sortie?)
-Severe limits in automated logistics management, (doesn’t fit into USAF skills training scheme), various components in the system (deployable server kits and other connectivity) do not work reliably.
-Because of the helmet system failure (partly influenced by buffet in the heart of the combat envelop), weapons cannot be cued including the gun.
-Production immature because of so many issues that are not figured out yet.
-Thermal issues affecting avionics and other systems.
-IPP (core system) has significant reliability flaws
-Many problems not expected to see proper resolution until 2016 at the very earliest.
-Leading to loss of defence deterrent for U.S. and allies
-Significant damage to worldwide industries
3 comments:
I know that this is the most publicized fighter program known to man. That's not my fault, that's DoD and LMT fault, don't blame bloggers! That's BS! and I like Stephen!
Are we supposed to turnoff our computers and stop our hi-speed internet connections???? Am I supposed to just sign a blank check when I pay taxes to US govt and just turn off my higher brain functions??? I am not HAL!
This program has had numerous problems for a LONG time now and excuse me if I don't trust LMT anymore. I didn't create that power point slide with LRIP V at 120 birds a year, LMT did! Well, they haven't delivered!!!! Yes, I am pissed! I am mad that we are spending billions on a program that is late, over-budget and pie in the sky. I don't trust all those fancy simulations that say it can survive an encounter with an PAFKA or J20. Aren't those the same people with the same simulations that got us in this mess? After so many years of having been told everything is fine, I don't trust LMT anymore, WHY SHOULD I????????
I am not brain dead, I have some engineering background and I know people that work in aviation, you want me to believe that LMT can fix all these CURRENT problems PLUS all the UNDISCOVERED ones (let's not forget those that will crop up in AoA, weapons or further fatigue testing,etc...) in the next 2 years? Isn't that what LMT is saying when they say ONLY 88 birds will have concurrency problems and not 543???
I know Japan will ultimely buy the F35 but interesting to note that they pushed back a week the notice. Was it second thoughts or they hope that no one in Japan will notice the QLR?
This is the most comprehensive list of 'critical' design flaws requiring changes I've seen to date, Eric. Very interesting and I haven't before seen a few of the points being mentioned... Can I ask if these are a collection of your findings or were there some contributions by other observers of the Program too?
Here's a link to the official "F-35 Concurrency Quick Look Review" PDF:
http://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/274217/dod-quick-look-ahern-report.pdf
This one is only 5 megs.
JRL
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