Pentagon Grounds All F-35 Fighters for Engine Inspections

Updated

Responding to reports that routine inspection conducted on a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II discovered a crack in one of its engine blades, the Department of Defense ordered all F-35s grounded Friday. The Pentagon called the move a "cautionary suspension."

The plane initially discovered to contain the fault was an F-35A model of the plane flown by the Air Force. The F-35 engine at fault has been removed from the plane and will be shipped to Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies and manufacturer of the engine, for examination.

In a statement, the Pentagon said: "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."

The article Pentagon Grounds All F-35 Fighters for Engine Inspections originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Lockheed Martin. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Advertisement