The grand assumption of the F-35 program had this as a goal:
Initial Operating Capability (IOC) dates
2010- USMC
2011- USAF
2012- US Navy, RAF, Royal Navy, RAAF
Happy 2012 everyone.
With that as a goal, the F-35 program figured they could reduce overhead by getting rid of a lot of design engineers. Unfortunately, the work needed by those engineers is far from done.
The graphic below is the latest from August 2011. We have been here before. It will probably slip. That is the consistent performance metric of the F-35 program.
(click image to make larger)
Here is the short-list of things (not all-inclusive) that have to be fixed before that chart has any hope of life:
-Paper-thin weight margins in all three variants
-Unknown fatigue (they don't know what they don't know)
-Buffet which affects…
-The faulty helmet which cannot use…
-DAS (including replacement helmet does not offer full ORD functionality with DAS)
-Because of the helmet system failure (partly influenced by buffet in the heart of the combat envelop), weapons cannot be cued with the helmet including the gun.
-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.
-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
1 comment:
They better send responsible adult to straighten up this mess. It doesn't look good.
first thing first: what's that crack about. complete report. if they don't know what's wrong yet, then no new plane being produced until they find out why.
because in order to fix this, they have to turn the frame design inside out. (which means the entire weight budget and location for all parts will move around.)
this will determine if the program will be canceled or not.
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