Esper: F-35 Won’t Hit 80% Readiness, Cites Stealth Parts
"Transparency (canopy) supply shortages continue to be the main obstacle to achieving this. We are seeking additional sources to fix unserviceable canopies," Esper said in response to written questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee.
By Colin Clark on July 16, 2019 at 5:46 PM
WASHINGTON: Presumptive Defense Secretary Mark Esper says flatly the F-35 “is not expected†to meet the 80 percent readiness goal set for it this year because of problems with a cockpit part that improves stealth performance.
“Transparency (canopy) supply shortages continue to be the main obstacle to achieving this. We are seeking additional sources to fix unserviceable canopies,†Esper said in response to written questions from the Senate Armed Services Committe (SASC).
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) mentioned the canopy issue in a recent report, calling it a “special coating on the F-35 canopy that enables the aircraft to maintain its stealth.†That, the congressional watchdog said. “failed more frequently than expected†so F-35 prime contractor Lockheed Martin went looking for more manufactures to produce enough canopies to meet demands. GAO also said the F-35 program was considering a new design.
https://breakingdefense.com/2019/07/esper-f-35-wont-hit-80-readiness-cites-stealth-parts/
