More Problems For The U.S. Navy's F-35 Program

An F-35C conducts its first arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in 2014. The Pentagon has discovered F-35C wing spar cracks during durability testing that will require modifications to the aircraft. Source: US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelly M Agee

Defense News: Crack Discovered on F-35C Test Plane Wing Spar

WASHINGTON — Inspectors found a small crack in one of the wing spars of an F-35C carrier variant test plane, according to the Joint Program Office.

The discovery does not impact current F-35 flying operations, and will not affect the Navy’s ability to meet its planned initial operating capability date in August 2018, JPO spokesman Joe DellaVedova told Defense News Monday.

The test plane is being used in what’s called “durability ground testing,” a normal test program in which testers apply cyclic loads to the airframe to simulate operational flying and identify any potential problems.

Such discoveries are expected during a developmental test program, DellaVedova stressed.

Update #1: Wing spar cracks found on USN F-35 variant (IHS Jane's 360)
Update #2: In Durability Tests, Pentagon Spots Cracks in F-35C Wing Structure (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: Apparently this is normal .... and it is expected when a new plane is being tested. But considering all the problems that the F-35 has experienced .... do they really need another one?