IT’S crunch-time for the most expensive military project in history: After a decade of delays, cost blowouts — and a recent engine blow-up — the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter must now face reality.
The first armed and active squadron of 10 F-35 stealth fighters is scheduled to be handed over to the US Marines on July 10.
It’s been a long and bumpy ride for the project which was initiated as early as 1996 and first flew in 2006. It’s supposed to fill a wide variety of roles currently filled by ageing aircraft such as the F/A-18, A-10, F-16 — and the iconic Harrier ‘jump jet’.
Earlier this month several F-35A Lightning IIs for the first time took part in US war-games.
Yes, finally !
The F-35s currently flying aren’t the real thing. They’re “operationally representative” aircraft. After almost 20 years, they’re still not fully operational.
Even though they’re now supposed to be ready for combat.
Wait, what ?
The US Marine Corps says it will not be deploying its F-35B (Short Take-off, Vertical Landing) variant of the stealth fighter when they’re handed over next month.
They won’t be joining the fight against Islamic State or the posturing against Russia or China any time soon.
...
As delivered, the aircraft will be limited to escort, armed reconnaissance and some close air support missions.
This is because production F-35s have not yet been fitted with the non-stealthy wing pylons necessary to carry a significant array of weapons — including a gun pod — and key software hurdles remain for the integration of others.
Could we not just send up some Cesnas instead ?
There also remain concerns over the F-35’s controversial engine. As a new report reveals, the cause of a “catastrophic” engine fire which did $US50 million damage to an F-35 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida last year is yet to be fully resolved. The aircraft was set alight by a failed turbine rotor arm which spat turbine blades through the fuselage, severing the fuel and hydraulic systems which are packed tightly around the engine.
Don't let the whole 'might catch on fire' thing worry you. After all, unlike our other product, these planes can...fly in the rain.
Despite the ongoing issues, the Pentagon has asked the US government to hand over $US11 billion for the purchase of 57 F-35s in the next fiscal year and urged further “upfront” commitment from international buyers — arguing that “bulk buys” of the unfinished aircraft will result in savings.
Of course it will. C'mon, international buyers, can ya not spare a few billion for Unca' Sam ? We'll have all the kinks worked out by oh, 2037 or so, and by then, whatta bargain these babies'll be !
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