The aircraft industry has been researching and developing new technology for years, and the F-35 Lightning II is no exception. Developed by Lockheed Martin, this single-seat, all-weather stealth aircraft is an advanced fifth-generation fighter jet that has seen action in the air forces of many nations. Recently, there have been reports of vibrations causing an F-35 engine to fail. In October 2020, an F-35 fighter jet crashed near Fort Worth, Texas, after the pilot lost all power from the aircraft, forcing him to eject. What was the root cause of this tragedy though? Could vibrations caused another F-35 engine to fail before the Texas incident?
Understanding Vibrations and F-35 Engines
Vibrations are unavoidable in aircraft, helicopters and other vehicles. They are caused by a variety of factors, such as air turbulence, the aircraft’s design, engine operation, and engineering inadequacies. To understand how this could be a factor in the Texas incident, it is important to understand the F-35 engines and the challenges they face.
Which F-35 Engines Are Used?
The F-35 Lightning II uses three different engines, the F135, which powers the F-35A and F-35B filers; the F110-GE-132, which powers the F-35C variant; and the F100-PW-229, which is used by the F-35A and F-35B. Of these, the F135 engine is the most efficient and powerful, with the capability of reaching supersonic speeds.
How Are F-35 Engines Tested?
Just like any new aircraft, engines on the F-35 are rigorously tested before they are used. This involves putting them through a series of simulated operational environmental scenarios, including vibration testing. Vibration testing helps to identify any mechanical problems with the engine, as well as its ability to withstand the rigors of flight.
Is Vibration Testing Effective?
Yes, vibration testing is highly effective in detecting potential issues before they become a problem. In fact, the F135 engine has been tested to a level of approximately 14 Gs of vibration, which is two times greater than the normal operating level. This means that the engine is more than capable of withstanding normal operations.
Previous F-35 Engine Failures
Vibration tests prove that F135 engines can handle normal operations but this doesn’t guarantee that there won’t be some issues with older models. In 2019, an F-35A Lightning II Aircraft based at Edwards Air Force Base in California suffered engine failure due to a vibration issue.
In April 2020, the Pentagon reported that a U.S. Air Force F35-A originating from Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada was facing fan blade failure. Lockheed Martin had been working to upgrade the fan blades to better withstand the intense vibration the engine had been facing throughout its use.
What Caused the Texas Mishap?
The cause of the Texas incident is still under investigation. While it’s clear that vibrations can be responsible for engine failure, it’s not yet known if it was the cause in this case. Engineers have said that the cause could have been a variety of issues, including airframe, software or mechanical factors. It’s also possible that the vibration levels of the engine were too high for the F135 to handle.
The F-35 Lightning II is an advanced fighter jet used by many nations and the engine of choice for many is the F135. Through rigorous vibration testing, the F135 has proven its ability to with stand normal operations. However, there have been previous cases of engine failure due to vibration issues, which calls into question what caused the Texas incident. While the cause is still under investigation, vibration levels of the engine may be to blame, highlighting the need for continued research and advancement.
