Isolation Cooling Pipe Problem, 15 F-35 Digrounded

F-35A

A total of 15 aircraft consists of 13 F-35A and a pair belonging to the Air Agkatan aircraft belonging to Norway.

Defense News reported Friday, September 16 2016m problem is probably due to supplier problems coolant or coolant lines, which are installed in the wings of a jet. During a routine maintenance inspection, it was found that the insulation on the cooling pipes flaking and damaged leaves a residue in the fuel.

The Norwegian Government explained this problem has been traced to cooling tubes manufactured by one operator who simply installed between the wing and fuel tank 15 aircraft, 10 in Hill Air Force Base, Utah, four (two US-owned and two Norwegians) in Luke AFB, Ariz., and one aircraft at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

"This problem was first discovered this summer for the maintenance of the F-35A is being prepared for initial operational capability," said Lockheed Martin spokesman Mike Rein as quoted by Defense News.

After finding the three best managers run into problems with cooling tubes, the next Lockheed tests showed damage to the insulation is because siphon pipe that connects the wing and aircraft fuel tanks.

"This can lead to excessive negative pressure in the fuel tank during flight operation or excessive positive pressure during refueling in the air or by land. In both cases, either more or less pressure can cause structural damage to the fuel tank, "said US Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek.

Lockheed work with several suppliers who are responsible for the manufacture of refrigerant line, but Rein declined to disclose the subcontractor that has been responsible for most of this is not appropriate. "There are no discussions about evaluating cooperation with them," he said.

Stefanek said the Air Force ordered a temporary suspension of the operation of fighter jets flying experience this problem with prudence consideration of the potential impacts of degraded insulation.

"Despite extensive tests and simulations carried out show that the impact minimal or can be reduced. However, it is still too early to elaborate on the specific problems that may arise, "he said.

"Once again, our main concern is the safety of the pilot. It is a sensible precaution. Identifying and addressing the issues is a standard part of the life cycle of each of our aircraft. "

The impact is greater because there were 42 aircraft currently in production lines that have received the same section. Which includes three three planes Norway scheduled for delivery early next year. It is not clear whether the parts will need to be replaced or not.

According to the Air Force press release, engineers from the Joint Program Office, Lockheed AFB and has examined eight aircraft.

In a statement, Maj. Morten Klever, director of F-35 Program Office of Norway, emphasized that the issue was not due to a design flaw, but due to the use of materials and techniques suppliers for certain parts that are not appropriate.

"I expect Lockheed Martin to identify the appropriate measures to correct these problems, and they could implement this as quickly as possible," said Klever

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