Crack cancels F-35s flights

A routine engine inspection revealed a crack on an engine blade of the F135 engine installed in F-35A aircraft AF-2 operating at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Engineering teams are shipping the engine's turbine module and its associated hardware to Pratt & Whitney's Engine Facility in Middletown, Conn., to conduct more thorough evaluation and root cause analysis. As a precaution, all F-35 flight operations have been suspended until the investigation is complete. The F-35 Joint Program Office is working closely with Pratt & Whitney and Lockheed Martin at all F-35 locations to ensure the integrity of the engine, and to return the fleet safely to flight as soon as possible. (Source: DoD, 02/22/13) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center and currently has 22 F-35s. Previous: F-35C takes flight; Contract for F-35 engine