LM's Ulmer with F-35 Costs, Simulator, Fastener Update VIDEO

[spazsinbad]

Lockheed Martin's Ulmer with F-35 Costs, Simulator, Fastener Update
01 Mar 2020 Defense & Aerospace Report

"Greg Ulmer, the vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II fighter program, discusses the latest on the jet's cost per flying hour and unit price, simulator capabilities and the fastener issue on jets produced to date a the Air Force Association's 2020 Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando where our coverage was sponsored by Leonardo DRS." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-QT_YGJxvo

[spazsinbad]

Complicated stuff about 'costs of F-35 spare parts with many maintenance issues related' having to be corrected story:

House committee targets Lockheed in probe of F-35 parts problems 23 Jun 2020 Joe Gould and Valerie Insinna

https://www.defensenews.com/congress/20 ... -problems/

House Committees Want Answers on F-35 Spare Parts, Sustainment
23 Jun 2020 Brian W. Everstine

"[MORE]

Photo: “Senior Airman Brenden Hansen, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron maintainer, and Airman 1st Class Christian Cervantes, 63rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit maintainer, evaluate an F-35A Lightning II to ensure it is mission capable on March 10, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leala Marquez.” https://www.airforcemag.com/app/uploads ... 143801.jpg

Source: https://www.airforcemag.com/house-commi ... stainment/

[quicksilver]

Spaz, c’mon... aircraft maintainers have been wearing booties for decades. Decades. Hornet and ‘B’ model Harrier were first in my experience, but my bet is that they may have done so w Eagles and Vipers about the same (if not before).

[spazsinbad]

Firstly how would I know what aviation maintainers wear in other armed forces unless there are specific photos or information/articles about them. I think I have seen F-35B USMC maintainers wearing boots walking on the aircraft. Recall I have just added the photo above without comment. Also I recall the USAF (early?) maintainers wearing tethered harnesses and soft BOOTIES whilst working on an F-35A in a hangar, apparently they were mimicking what was done during F-22 maintenance. And YES virginia we know how good the stealth coating is needed to be in the sea salt environments etc. And HOW a piece of the outer skin material has been used as a doormat for years and years without a problem for it.

Video/Photos of USAF harness/booties: viewtopic.php?f=59&t=25333&p=269389&hilit=Gallery#p269389

'popcorn' mentioned 'doormat' & quote: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=52450&p=355622&hilit=doormat#p355622

“131211-F-VY627-470 Senior Airman Jessa Fleming, a low observable technician, masks areas of an F-35 Lightning II in need of metal repair work. Fleming is responsible for maintaining the stealth characteristics of the Joint Strike Fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)"

At harness URL there are these photos: download/file.php?id=18742 & download/file.php?id=18743

[f119doctor]

The harness is not specific to the F-22 or F-35. More a reflection of improved compliance with AFOSH / OSHA safety standards for fall protection when performing elevated area work.