Second engine problem to delay F-35 testing

Source URL: http://startelegram.typepad.com/sky_talk/2008/02/second-engine-p.html
Posted at: http://www.air-attack/com/news/news_article/3006

A problem with a failed engine part is likely to delay both ground and flight testing on the second F-35 test aircraft and has the potential to cause further political and budget issues for the Pentagon’s largest new weapons program.

In a reoccurrence of a problem first discovered last summer, a crack was discovered Monday in a turbine blade following ground testing of a Pratt & Whitney engine built for the F-35 joint strike fighter.

That engine was to have been delivered soon to Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth for installation in the second test aircraft, which was to begin ground tests in the next month or so.

First test flight was scheduled for May or June.

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