What are the problems with the F-35?

What are the problems with the F-35?

The F-35 can only tolerate supersonic speeds at high altitudes for short bursts before it sustains lasting structural damage and the loss of stealth capabilities. During high speeds, the jet’s stealth coating, which makes it invisible to radar, is known to bubble. There are currently no plans to correct the problem.

Does the F-35 still have problems?

The number of major F-35 flaws is shrinking, but the Pentagon is keeping details of the problems under wraps. WASHINGTON — As the F-35 program inches its way through operational testing, the number of critical technical deficiencies is slowly dwindling, dropping from 11 critical deficiencies in January to seven in July …

Why is the f35 a failure?

The way the F-35 has evolved has made it virtually unusable for its intended purpose. The F-35 isn’t enhanced to perform for long distances, nor is it equipped for close-range air-to-air combat. All this tech requires expensive maintenance, too: for each hour an F-35 is flown, it costs an average of $36,000.

How much does it cost to maintain an F-35?

Every hour the F-35 is on the air, it costs around $36,000, which is almost 50 percent more than what an F-16 costs to fly. However, Lockheed Martin, the plane’s manufacturer, has claimed that it can drop the operating cost to $25,000 per hour within four years, but to do so demands an exclusive maintenance contract.

Is the F-35 any good?

Ultimately, the F-35 fighter jet won the day, breaking down one of the world’s most advanced air defense networks and relaying the data to missile-packed fighters like the F-16.

What is the current status of the F-35?

With little progress and significant regression in 2021, it seems that the F-35 program will remain in its current stagnant state for the foreseeable future. Congress held firm during the fiscal year 2022 budget debates by refusing to authorize additional new F-35s beyond the Pentagon’s request.

Is the F-35 better than the F 22?

The aircraft is considered superior to the F-35 in certain capabilities relevant to the counter-air and destruction of enemy air defenses missions, but it costs twice as much to procure and twice as much to operate. Here are some of the other key differences between America’s two fifth-generation fighters.

What will replace the F-35?

F-35 cuts, F-15 boost, and E-3 replacement: Air Force’s $170B budget makes big moves in FY23 – Breaking Defense.

Why did Australia buy F-35?

Australia’s plan was to buy four squadrons – about 72 jets in total – at a cost of around A$16 billion. The F-35 was intended to replace the air force’s ageing Hornet fighters and F-111 bombers. And back in 2002, when Middle East wars were raging, a short-range stealth fighter seemed more than adequate.

Has the F-35 been used in combat?

Israeli F-35s were the first to see combat in 2018. On March 7, 2022, the Israeli Defense Forces declassified a report and footage of the F-35 scoring its first air-to-air kills. “On March 15, 2021, two Iranian UAVs attempted to infiltrate Israel,” the previously classified IDF report states.

Why the F-35 is such a badass plane?

Designed from the ground up to prioritize low-observability, the F-35 may be the stealthiest fighter in operation today. It uses a single F135 engine that produces 40,000 lbs. of thrust with the afterburner engaged, capable of pushing the sleek but husky fighter to speeds as high as Mach 1.6.

Can F-35 fly in rain?

In spring 2020, officials banned the F-35A from flying within 25 nautical miles of lightning or thunderstorms after finding that a crucial system may not function correctly if hit by a bolt. At issue is the Onboard Inert Gas Generation System, or OBIGGS, which injects nitrogen-enriched air into the jet’s fuel tanks.