According to IHS Jane’s, the problem lies with the current version of software that runs the warplane’s radar, making it unstable and thus affecting the aircraft’s performance against other airborne targets.
"What would happen is they'd get a signal that says either a radar degrade or a radar fail —something that would force us to restart the radar," Harrigian explained.
The problem was apparently first discovered during tests in late 2015.
"Lockheed Martin discovered the root cause, and now they're in the process of making sure they take that solution and run it through the [software testing] lab," Harrigian said, adding that USAF is scheduled to receive the new software by the end of March.
The F-35 fighter jet is probably the most expensive military aircraft ever developed, with an estimated final cost of $400 billion which is twice the original estimate.
Problems with the F-35 have included flaws in its fuel and hydraulic systems, poor cockpit visibility, faulty radar and ejection seats that don't work. The entire fleet was grounded in 2014 after an engine caught fire as a test pilot prepared to take off.
