Lockheed Redesigns F-35B Bulkhead

DoD Buzz ^ | 1/13/2011 | John Reed

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Lockheed Martin has redesigned the bulkhead on the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter where the main landing gear meet the airframe to prevent the type of cracking that was found during ground stress tests on the jet, according to Lockheed and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos.

Amos revealed that the bulkhead has been “re-engineered” during a speech today at a Surface Navy Association conference in Arlington, Va. The four-star was discussing the future of the short take-off and vertical landing version of the JSF and the testing challenges it’s been experiencing, saying that he believes Lockheed and the Pentagon can solve the jet’s engineering difficulties in the next two years.

Lockheed officials confirmed the reworked bulkhead design, saying the flaw was only found on one plane used for ground tests and that the cracks, revealed last November, didn’t contribute to the delays in the B’s test schedule

[USNBandit]

I hope that bulkhead isn't in the C models. Trap count seems to be the real test of Naval aircraft as to when you start seeing structural issues.

A lot of challenges in the B program making weight and takeoff requirements.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The “C” model seems to be O.K. But Robert Gates mentioned that the “B” model is having some testing problems.

[USNBandit]

I haven't talked to anybody at Lockheed for a while, but from the outset they had a fair amount of weight to lose on the B model. All aircraft go through that phase, but it was still behind its brothers.

After getting over the single engine issue, my biggest heartburn is that the C model originally didn't have a gun. Don't know if that has changed, but strafe has been in high demand to support troops on the ground.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The F-35C will have a gun pod with 220 rounds and will be located on the upper left side of the plane

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

[struwwelpeter]

‘Bulkhead’ sounds like a good name for a Russian jet bomber.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Its a good name for a metal thrash band.

[Erasmus]

Or a guy doing steroids.

[Yo-Yo]

The F-35C will have a gun pod with 220 rounds and will be located on the upper left side of the plane

The F-35C, as well as the F-35B, will use an external centerline gun pod that has had stealth treatment.

Only the F-35A will have an internal gun.

[real saxophonist]

‘like’