Decision Interrupts Testing in CA, Training In FL

The Pentagon announced this week it has suspended high-speed ground and flight operations of more than 15 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jets after discovering improperly packed parachutes under the pilot's ejection seat. Reuters cites Lockheed spokeswoman Laurie Quincy in reporting the decision will affect six Air Force variants of the F-35 fighter jet based at Edwards AFB in California, which will halt flight testing there until the parachute issues are resolved.

The hiatus is also expected to affect nine F-35s intended for training at Eglin AFB in Florida, and three more just coming off the assembly line at Lockheed Martin's plant in Fort Worth, Texas. It's thought the repacking of the 'chutes could be accomplished in time to start bring affected planes back on line by the middle of next week.

The announcement follows one by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that procurement will be slowed to provide adequate time for development, in order to avoid costly corrections later.

FMI: www.jsf.mil/f35/