AviationGeeks.com - F-35 ground tests to resume, but not flights

The F-35 Joint Program Office authorized a return to ground operations for the F-35 developmental test (DT) aircraft today.  This is the first step in returning the F-35 fleet to full flight operations.  A precautionary suspension of both ground and flight operations for the program was issued Aug. 3.

An Air Force Safety Investigation Board convened Aug. 4 and is reviewing the circumstances that led to the failure of the Integrated Power Package (IPP) aboard AF-4, an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, assigned to Edwards AFB, Calif. The F-35's IPP is a turbo-machine that provides power to start the engine and generates cooling for the aircraft.

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