Defense
Air Force Reduces Exhibition Flights on New F-35 Engine Woes
- Engines running hot are causing cracking on turbine blades
- Previously undisclosed issue is latest in $398 billion program
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The Air Force F-35 jet team that performs at air shows around the world has had to scale back appearances this year. The problem: a growing shortage of engines because of longer repair periods, some due to previously unreported shortcomings with engine blade coatings.
The Air Combat Command that controls the F-35 demonstration team late last month cut the number of 2021 shows by eight performances, or about one-third, to ensure the flying doesn’t aggravate a worsening service-wide shortage of Raytheon Technologies Corp. engines.