Post by raymond on Feb 23, 2013 19:52:47 GMT 12
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21554331
The US has grounded its entire fleet of 51 F-35 fighter jets after the discovery of a cracked engine blade.
The fault was detected during a routine inspection of an air force version of the jet (F-35A) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, said the Pentagon.
Different versions are flown by the navy and the marine corps. All have been grounded.
The F-35 is the Pentagon's most expensive weapons programme. with a cost of nearly $400bn (£260bn).
The Pentagon said flight operations would remain suspended until the root cause is established.
Friday's order was the second time in two months planes from the F-35 range have been grounded.
The US has grounded its entire fleet of 51 F-35 fighter jets after the discovery of a cracked engine blade.
The fault was detected during a routine inspection of an air force version of the jet (F-35A) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, said the Pentagon.
Different versions are flown by the navy and the marine corps. All have been grounded.
The F-35 is the Pentagon's most expensive weapons programme. with a cost of nearly $400bn (£260bn).
The Pentagon said flight operations would remain suspended until the root cause is established.
Friday's order was the second time in two months planes from the F-35 range have been grounded.