Lockheed Martin dispels F-35 corrosion fears
When speaking with Defence Connect, director of F-35 international business development Steve Over was quick to highlight Lockheed’s rapid response to the issues identified in late 2017.
“We have developed a remediation plan in close collaboration with our customers. It was decided that the issues presented weren’t urgent, so they would be rectified as the aircraft cycled back through maintenance depots,” he said.
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Meanwhile, recent publicity surrounding apparent depressurisation and oxygen supply issues, allegedly similar to those experienced in the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, were also identified when a number of pilots stationed at Luke Air Force Base presented with physiological symptoms similar to hypoxia, including oxygen deprivation, ear pain and sinus issues.
In response to the claims of depressurisation concerns around the F-35 cockpit, Over was clear when he said that it was not a depressurisation issue and that slow progress had been made regarding the root cause analysis, with a number opportunities to improve the robustness of the design identified.
Meanwhile, the complex physiological issues experienced by the small number of pilots could not be directly attributed to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) and it would be prudent to await the final findings of the thorough investigation for a likely cause.
More at the jump
https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/strike-air-combat/2569-5th-generation-fighter-to-come-roaring-into-service-despite-concerns
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