Grounded F-35 fighters seen back in the air in November: Norway

[Hindustani78]

Wed Oct 19, 2016 | 11:50am EDT

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-lockheed-f35-grounded-idUSKCN12J1ZK

Norway expects two F-35 fighter aircraft that were grounded for repairs last month to be back in the air by the end of November, sooner than originally thought, the defense ministry said on Wednesday.

The U.S. Air Force on Sept. 16 said 15 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35A Lightning II aircraft had been grounded due to peeling and crumbling insulation in avionics cooling lines inside the fuel tanks.

The issue affected 57 aircraft, of which 42 were still in production, it said at the time.

The insulation is now being removed and extra filters installed to intercept any potential remains, although it has not yet been decided whether this fix should be regarded as temporary or permanent, the Norwegian ministry said.

Norway plans to buy up to 52 F-35s, of which four have so far been delivered.

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik)

 

[DavidSling]

Wed Oct 19, 2016 | 11:50am EDT

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-lockheed-f35-grounded-idUSKCN12J1ZK

Norway expects two F-35 fighter aircraft that were grounded for repairs last month to be back in the air by the end of November, sooner than originally thought, the defense ministry said on Wednesday.

The U.S. Air Force on Sept. 16 said 15 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35A Lightning II aircraft had been grounded due to peeling and crumbling insulation in avionics cooling lines inside the fuel tanks.

The issue affected 57 aircraft, of which 42 were still in production, it said at the time.

The insulation is now being removed and extra filters installed to intercept any potential remains, although it has not yet been decided whether this fix should be regarded as temporary or permanent, the Norwegian ministry said.

Norway plans to buy up to 52 F-35s, of which four have so far been delivered.

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik)

Good development.
I just posted about it few days ago.
Israel and Japan's F35 also came back from repairs and aim to be delivered to destination countries in this december

 

[Hindustani78]

As for the Air Force, Norway's ambition to procure 52 F-35 fighters as the main weapon seems to persist, despite protests by opposition parties. The majority of the controversial fighter jets are expected to be stationed at Ørland base near Trondheim. Additionally, Norway is poised to buy maritime patrol aircraft of Poseidon-class from the US as a replacement for the Orion aircraft, which have gradually become outdated. The exact number has nevertheless not yet been determined. The Poseidon aircraft will be based at Evenes, where a supplementary QRA force consisting of a few F-35s will be stationed. Furthermore, the Air Force is to be enhanced by 14 NH90 naval helicopters, whereas three Jet Falcon aircraft for electronic warfare will be phased out by 2024.