Lockheed Martin will be able to resume sales of F-35 Lightning II fighters after Pratt & Whitney fixes problem in F135 engines

Lockheed Martin has not delivered a single F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet to customers since December 2022. Deliveries may resume shortly.

Here's What We Know

Pratt & Whitney officially announced in early January 2023 that it was Pratt & Whitney halts deliveries of F135 engines for F-35 Lightning II fighters. The reason was an investigation that began after F-35B Lightning II crashed on the runway in Texas while practicing a vertical landing. Because of this, the USA and Israel stopped flights.

As it became known, the problems were linked to a malfunction in the engine's fuel supply system. Pratt & Whitney determined that the failure was caused by vibration. Jen Latka, vice president of the F135 programme, made the announcement. She added that no fuel tube quality problems were found.

Pratt & Whitney has prepared a temporary short-term solution that will allow Lockheed Martin to resume fighter jet deliveries. It will provide an opportunity to get rid of vibration in the engine. In addition, the company's development will be integrated into the production line.

By the end of 2022, nine F-35 Lightning II aircraft Lockheed Martin has produced nine F-35 Lightning II fighters, but cannot turn them over to customers due to a suspension of deliveries. The manufacturer handed over a total of 141 out of 148 fighter jets to customers during last year, meaning it failed to meet the plan.

Source: Defence News