Some USMC F-35Bs grounded again

Some USMC F-35Bs grounded again

By Dario Leone
Oct 26 2018
Share this article

Two new parts that will require inspection were found on older F-35Bs

F-35Bs with higher flight hours have been temporarily by F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) after that two new parts that will require inspection were found on older models of the jets.

As reported by Marine Corps Times, a spokesman for the F-35 JPO did not disclose exactly how many jets may possibly be grounded as a result of the inspections. However, one source close to the program said that only a couple dozen F-35Bs meet the criteria where an operational pause would be necessary.

“The joint government and industry technical team has completed their assessment of the fuel supply tubes within the Pratt & Whitney engine on F-35 aircraft,” the F-35 Joint Program Office announced in a statement. “In addition to the previously identified failed tube, the analysis has identified two additional fuel supply tubes that require inspection.”

Some of the older engines with higher flight hours may require additional fuel tube replacements.

“While the two additional fuel tubes have not failed, engineering data collected during the ongoing investigation established the requirement for a time-phased inspection based on engine flight hours,” the JPO said in an emailed statement. “The procedure to inspect and replace can be done by flightline maintenance without removing the engine.”

The JPO also added that F-35s that have not reached the “inspection requirements” are continuing normal flight operations.

Noteworthy only U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) F-35Bs that have reached a certain number of flight hours will be grounded for inspections because short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Lightning II is subject to different stresses than the other models. However F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft and F-35C carrier takeoff and landing jets will have tubes replaced as part of normal phased maintenance.

There are also F-35Bs embarked with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship Essex.

The 13th MEU is currently operating in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

On Oct. 11, 2018 all F-35 Lightning IIs with U.S. and foreign militaries were ordered to be grounded after investigation into Sep. 28 U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) F-35B crash determined that a fuel tube in the F135 engine needs inspection and replacement.

The pilot safely ejected from the fighter in what was the first crash for the F-35.

F-35B Print

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. F-35B Lightning II VMFA-121 Green Knights, VK00, 169164 / 2015

Photo credit: U.S. Marine Corps

Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com


Share this article

Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share this article


Share this article
Share this article

Always up to date! News and offers delivered directly to you!

Get the best aviation news, stories and features from The Aviation Geek Club in our newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.



    Share this article
    Back to top
    My Agile Privacy
    This website uses technical and profiling cookies. Clicking on "Accept" authorises all profiling cookies. Clicking on "Refuse" or the X will refuse all profiling cookies. By clicking on "Customise" you can select which profiling cookies to activate.
    Warning: some page functionalities could not work due to your privacy choices