(Franco Iacch)
09/17/16

http://www.difesaonline.it/mondo-militare/f-35a-utilizzato-isolante-difettoso-15-velivoli-messi-terra-produzione-sospesa-altri

The Air Force has grounded thirteen F-35A after discovering a loss of refrigerant in the fuel tanks. Subsequent investigations confirmed the anomaly identified in the poor quality of the insulation used in some aircraft already at an advanced stage of decomposition. The Air Force officially confirmed the use of insulation defective in 57 aircraft, 42 of which are in production line in Fort Worth, Texas.

The defective material, it said in an official statement of the Air Force, was provided by one of the subcontractors used by Lockheed Martin. Grounded ten F-35A deployed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, four in the Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, and one at the Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Two of the four F-35A deployed at the base of Luke belong to Norway. In all airplanes of the same critical issues were identified.

The problem has been detected and does not represent any danger - clarify the USAF - the coolant could have contaminated the fuel, but they are developing ways to solve or alleviate the problem. Until then, the F-35A treated with the defective insulation will remain on the ground.

Identified for the first time during the summer, the defective insulation problem was being organized by the Lockheed Martin an internal investigation. In the statement issued, Lockheed says that "the collapse of the insulation, it could occlude the connecting lines between the wings and fuselage. This could lead to an excessive negative pressure in the fuel tanks during ground operations or excessive positive during the flight. In both cases, the excessive pressure may cause structural damage to fuel tanks. "

The Air Force minimizes, stating that "the temporary suspension of operations is only for excessive caution, considering the potential effects of the insulation damaged. Although tests and simulations are ongoing, the initial indications suggest that the impacts are minimal or can be mitigated. However, it is too early to outline the specific problems that may arise. Once again, our main concern is the safety of our drivers. "

The JPO reiterates that the problem was caused by a manufacturing defect and not a technical problem that could affect airplane performance.

Lockheed Martin states that despite the problem, the employment relationship with the company that provided the defective material is not in question.

(Photo: U.S. Air Force)

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Fridge is a difficult new tech, as you may know.

IZAKOVIC