Cracking Further cracks have been found in the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor. The news comes ahead of this week's crucial Defence Acquisition Board (DAB) decision on whether to approve low-rate initial production. The cracks - caused by a debonding of the composite material - were found after an X-ray inspection in the starboard tail of test aircraft 4003. Other aircraft are not affected. The damage has apparently been known about for some time and the aircraft has continued to be used for test flights, with restrictions. The US Air Force says the cracks can be fixed in situ.
Source: Flight International
