U.S. lands most F-35 fighters due to catapult problems
The United States is forced to temporarily ground most of the F-35 aircraft of the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy.
What we know
The reason for this decision was a problem with the catapult. They learned about it back in mid-spring 2022, but it took about three months to land most fifth-generation fighters.
Specialists want to fully sort out the malfunction before all F-35 planes return to service. As part of the investigation, it was determined that the problem could be huge, as there was improper assembly of the seats at the factory.
The malfunction is reportedly in the squib cartridge, and more specifically in the lack of magnesium powder. Without it, the catapult system does not work, since it is this powder that is used for detonation. The military has already tested 2,700 squibs. The problem was found only in three of them.
Source: Defense News
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