F-35 JSF engine runs start this week to meet October first flight

Posted on: Aug. 29th, 2006 || Source: Flight Global | E-mail Article | Print Article

Lockheed Martin will begin engine runs on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. this week as it strives to meet its 31 October target for first flight, while also fighting budget cuts that would delay production and drive up costs, writes Graham Warwick.

Aircraft AA-1 is planned to begin taxi tests in September. "We are still pushing for October 31, but there is some pressure against that date, and it could slip into early November," says Tom Burbage, manager F-35 programme integration.

Lockheed is also working to recover a three-month delay caused by design changes in subsequent aircraft to reduce weight. The delay affects manufacture of a new through-deck bulkhead introduced when the method of mating airframe sections was changed.

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