Posted on 12/17/2010 8:07:36 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-22 jets began corroding soon after introduction into the U.S. Air Force in 2005 and the Defense Department plans to spend $228 million through 2016 to fix the deteriorating aluminum skin panels, the Government Accountability Office said in a report today.
The newer F-35 aircraft, which are also built by Bethesda, Maryland-based Lockheed, have an improved design and use updated materials and paint to prevent the corrosion seen on the F-22 jets, according to the report sent to the Senate and House Armed Services committees.
“Corrosion of the aluminum skin panels was first observed in spring 2005, less than six months” after the F-22 jets were first deployed, the report said.
By October 2007, 534 cases of damage to the panels were documented, the report said, and “corrosion in the substructure was becoming prevalent
(Excerpt) Read more at businessweek.com ...
Should have gone with the YF-23.
The YF-23 wouldn’t have used aluminium?
Lockheed seems like scam-master central imo.
They should probably be banned from all future defense contracts for this stuff.
I liked the YF-23
6 months after delivery? Isn’t there a warranty?
Sounds like the taxpayer really got screwed.
Why? Different material?
As the biggest contractor in the US, that probably won’t happen.
You will not see ANY machine with the complexity of a f22, osprey etc. without any sort of issues.
You might as well ban everyone and have santas elves build them perfectly for you.
The problem is when they write the contracts. The Pentagon should enter clauses to the contract stating that if they are late they are penalized. Any defect that the plane incur during a period of time they are to fix free of charge.
Rust never sleeps
You would think somewhere in the SOW it would say “wings wont start to fall apart in 6 months”
You are correct
Well it’s better to burn out than to fade away.
I was wondering what environment they were flying them in.
I've seen airplanes go leave the desert in good condition and not be able to pass a corrosion inspection after a year in coastal Florida.
Thanks.
Doesn’t matter. This is not the first time aluminum has been used in airplanes. I know 60 year old Cessna 120 and 140’s that still have stunning aluminum skins.
This is absolutely uncalled for.
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