—”“Mission capable” is a tricky term.”
YES! And zero details were provided.
“As of September 21, 2023, the average mission capable (MC) rate of the US Air Force’s F-35 fleet was 55%. This is below the targets of 90% for the F-35A and 85% for the F-35B and C variants. The MC rate is defined as when an aircraft is able to perform one of its tasks.
The Air Force and Navy F-35s have also exceeded the requirement for “Mean Flight Hours Between Maintenance Events (Unscheduled)” by 110% and 120%, respectively. However, the DOT&E has recommended more investment in spares, especially for F135 engines, to reduce downtime for aircraft waiting for spare parts.”
A jet that can’t fly isn’t necessarily a waste of time and money. A newish system requires new training.and there’s always an inflow of new troops that need training. A jet may be grounded, and at the same time, people are learning to pull and install engines, change tires, overhaul any number of complex systems in all weather, dealing with dark, bugs, and the clock. That’s a luxury afforded by peace-time.
These jets are designed to fly and deliver ordnance, and sometimes systems need to be designed around those priorities. . I can remember some fairly minor parts that occasionally needed to be replaced. However, that might require pulling an engine out so that it could be accessed. Oh, well....