A news report about an alleged aft fuselage structural problem on the F-22 has caught the attention of House Armed Services TacAir subcommittee Chairman Curt Weldon. Weldon noted that the Air Force and Lockheed Martin are working to resolve the issue, which he said might affect the projected life of the aircraft. However, he demanded that the Air Force “convince the subcommittee that the F-22 design is stable” and provide other “required analysis,” such as the subcommittee’s unrequited requests for F-22 engine cost trends, before the subcommittee would approve the new multiyear procurement proposal.
The incoming head of the 7th Air Force will face an intense mission while relying on 4th-generation fighters to stave off looming threats from North Korea and China.