F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, £150million combat aircraft, considered to be the 
world's most sophisticated superfighter jet, has shown its weaknesses when it comes to combat nature. Pentagon's leaked report suggested that it could explode if flew in close proximity to lightening i.e. test-flying within 25 miles of thunderstorms is 'not permitted.' For this purpose a device in the fuel tank needs to be redesigned.
Engineers working on it have found the jet's fuel tank could explode if hit by lightning. According to reports, the aircraft, which is hoped to enter service for both the RAF and the Royal Navy in five years' time, has also been made more vulnerable to enemy attack than the aircraft it is set to replace, after its weight was reduced in an attempt to increase fuel efficiency.
Several other problems have been identified with the plane, including a fault in the design of the fuel tank which means it is unable to rapidly descend to low altitude. A handful of cracks were also discovered in the tested aircraft during examinations by the United States Air Force and the aircraft's manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
The report states: 'All of these discoveries will require mitigation plans and may include redesigning parts and additional weight.'
A Lockheed Martin spokesman has said the manufacturer does not consider the latest problem a 'major issue'. The spokesman said: 'We have demonstrated very good vulnerability performance and we continue to work with the Joint Programme Office.'
The short take-off and vertical-landing version of the F-35B is due to become
Britain's replacement for the Harrier. The new fighter jet has been designed to be practically invisible to radar and has a top speed of 1,300mph and a range of 1,450 miles, compared to the Harrier's 700mph and range of 350 mile range.
The latest revelation is the second blow to the programme in recent weeks, after Canada pulled out of a deal to buy 65 of the aircraft last month. And while the US is buying 2,500 F-35s for £254bn, Britain is committed to buying only 48, although the final decision will depend on the role of the Royal Navy's two new carriers in the future and whether the price of the aircraft falls, as is expected.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'All variants of F-35 are currently within the Development Test phase and minor issues like this are common during this early stage of the overall programme.'
world's most sophisticated superfighter jet, has shown its weaknesses when it comes to combat nature. Pentagon's leaked report suggested that it could explode if flew in close proximity to lightening i.e. test-flying within 25 miles of thunderstorms is 'not permitted.' For this purpose a device in the fuel tank needs to be redesigned.
Engineers working on it have found the jet's fuel tank could explode if hit by lightning. According to reports, the aircraft, which is hoped to enter service for both the RAF and the Royal Navy in five years' time, has also been made more vulnerable to enemy attack than the aircraft it is set to replace, after its weight was reduced in an attempt to increase fuel efficiency.
Several other problems have been identified with the plane, including a fault in the design of the fuel tank which means it is unable to rapidly descend to low altitude. A handful of cracks were also discovered in the tested aircraft during examinations by the United States Air Force and the aircraft's manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
The report states: 'All of these discoveries will require mitigation plans and may include redesigning parts and additional weight.'
A Lockheed Martin spokesman has said the manufacturer does not consider the latest problem a 'major issue'. The spokesman said: 'We have demonstrated very good vulnerability performance and we continue to work with the Joint Programme Office.'
The short take-off and vertical-landing version of the F-35B is due to become
Britain's replacement for the Harrier. The new fighter jet has been designed to be practically invisible to radar and has a top speed of 1,300mph and a range of 1,450 miles, compared to the Harrier's 700mph and range of 350 mile range.
The latest revelation is the second blow to the programme in recent weeks, after Canada pulled out of a deal to buy 65 of the aircraft last month. And while the US is buying 2,500 F-35s for £254bn, Britain is committed to buying only 48, although the final decision will depend on the role of the Royal Navy's two new carriers in the future and whether the price of the aircraft falls, as is expected.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'All variants of F-35 are currently within the Development Test phase and minor issues like this are common during this early stage of the overall programme.'
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