We sold our Harriers so we could buy this piece of shit? In - TopicsExpress

We sold our Harriers so we could buy this piece of shit? In November 2011, a Pentagon study team identified the following 13 areas of concern that remained to be addressed in the F-35:[170][171] The helmet-mounted display system does not work properly. The fuel dump subsystem poses a fire hazard. The Integrated Power Package is unreliable and difficult to service. The F-35Cs arresting hook does not work. Classified survivability issues, which have been speculated to be about stealth.[170] The wing buffet is worse than previously reported. The airframe is unlikely to last through the required lifespan. The flight test program has yet to explore the most challenging areas. The software development is behind schedule. The aircraft is in danger of going overweight or, for the F-35B, not properly balanced for VTOL operations. There are multiple thermal management problems. The air conditioner fails to keep the pilot and controls cool enough, the roll posts on the F-35B overheat, and using the afterburner damages the aircraft. The automated logistics information system is partially developed. The lightning protection on the F-35 is uncertified, with areas of concern. In December 2011, the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin came to an agreement to assure funding and delivery for a fifth order of early F-35 aircraft of yet undefined type.[172] On 22 February 2013, the fledgling F-35 fleet was grounded after a routine inspection of a F-35A at Edwards Air Force Base found a crack in an engine turbine blade.[173][174] In March 2013, USAF test pilots, flying with pre-operational software that did not utilize the all-aspect infrared AAQ-37 DAS sensor, noted a lack of visibility from the F-35 cockpit during evaluation flights, which would get them consistently shot down in combat. Defense spending analyst Winslow Wheeler concluded from flight evaluation reports that the F-35A is flawed beyond redemption;[185] in response, program manager Bogdan suggested that pilots worried about being shot down should fly cargo aircraft instead.[186] The same report found (in addition to the usual problems with the aircraft listed above): Current aircraft software is inadequate for even basic pilot training. Ejection seat may fail, causing pilot fatality. Several pilot-vehicle interface issues, including lack of feedback on touch screen controls. The radar performs poorly, or not at all. Engine replacement takes an average of 52 hours, instead of the two hours specified. Maintenance tools do not work.[187] The JPO responded that more experienced pilots would be able to safely operate the aircraft and that procedures would improve over time.[188] Even in the final 3F software version, the F-35 will lack ROVER, in spite of having close air support as one of its primary missions.[189] A 2013 Pentagon report found these additional problems: Overall fleet availability for the year averaged only 37%. The Inertial navigation system does not provide reliable data. There is a bug with the AMRAAMs ability to provide track/guidance data. DAS confuses the aircrafts own flare launches with incoming missiles. Fragment-induced damage can lead to catastrophic STOVL lift system failure. The aircraft is particularly vulnerable to fires caused by fuel leaks.[190][191][192] In November 2014 China unveiled the portable JY-26 Skywatch-U UHF 3-D long-range surveillance radar system, specifically designed to defeat stealth aircraft like the F-35.[193] -The Stannimal