In a significant development, the F-35A Lightning II, previously restricted from flying near thunderstorms due to lightning concerns, has reportedly been cleared for such operations. While the F-35Cs and F-35Bs were exempt from the ban, the conventional take-off and landing variant of the F-35 faced restrictions within 25 miles of lightning. However, recent reports suggest that the Pentagon has lifted these restrictions after implementing hardware and software fixes for the lightning protection system.
According to statements from the Joint Program Office (JPO) spokesperson Russ Goemaere, the Defense Department formally withdrew the lightning restrictions on March 19, following the development of fixes for the F-35A aircraft. However, details regarding the number of modified F-35As and their readiness for operations in inclement weather remain undisclosed and unverified.
Despite its designation as an "all-weather" aircraft, the F-35A had been prohibited from flying in lightning conditions, posing operational challenges. Issues with the On-board Inert Gas Generation System (OBIGGS) led to the ban in 2020 after damage to one of the system's components was discovered during routine maintenance. The remedial measures involved strengthening brackets associated with OBIGGS tubes to prevent vibrations and enhance safety.
The removal of lightning restrictions marks a significant milestone after years of development and testing. The coordinated efforts between Lockheed Martin and the Department of Defense (DoD) have resulted in hardware and software upgrades to the OBIGGS system, ensuring safe operations in thunderstorms. With extensive testing and analysis confirming the system's reliability, the F-35A can now operate near thunderstorms with reduced restrictions, enhancing its operational flexibility and capabilities.
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