The fleet of Belgian F-16s almost at a standstill. Engine problem

(B2) The Belgian defense announced on Tuesday (March 9) the decision to temporarily immobilize part of its fleet of F-16 combat aircraft

The decision was just announced today. But the incident goes back more than a month ago, on February 11, when an F-16 from the Florennes base experienced engine problems on takeoff. The pilot must then make a precautionary controlled landing.

Caused a nozzle burn

An investigation is then carried out by the Air Safety Directorate (ASD - Aviation Safety Directorate) of Defence. And the determined cause: a nozzle burn (nozzle burn through)”. Material breakage causes, “ due to the high temperature, the melting of a number of parts that may come off explains the Belgian defense. The engine of the aircraft concerned is then dismantled and sent to the maintenance company Patria BEC.

A series of affected aircraft

During the investigation, investigators notice a problem with the hinge pin. A pin that " is part of a movable collar on the exhaust which is controlled according to engine speed ". After thorough verification of the entire fleet, we discover " that a large number of engines exhibit similar phenomena ". Repair time is estimated at 5 working days per engine. And this is likely to last. Because there is " a shortage of spare parts on the market ».

Informed industrialists

All F-16 club partners and manufacturers have been notified. Engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force indicated, based on this information, that " corrective action should be taken immediately on affected engines ". The question of whether other countries have the same problem "makes currently under investigation ».

Sky surveillance assured

The “Quick reaction Alert” system above Belgian and Dutch airspace remains “operational” ensuring Belgian defence. The " necessary measures "are taken to provide the F-16 in operation" replacement motors needed ».

(NGV)

NB: Chance of the calendar, the Defense Committee of the Chamber will debate, this Wednesday (March 9), the setbacks of the expected successor of the F-16, the F-35. Several MPs are asking to examine what the cost of withdrawing from the program would be. Withdrawal rather hypothetical, and requested especially by the deputies of the opposition (French-speaking Christian Democrats of the CDH, Greens, and left of the PTB). In any case, this incident slows down a little the inclinations of the supporters (if there were still any left) of the extension of the F-16.