Laser Shock Peening - life-extending technology at work in F-35

Photo By Enaas Sarsour | The F-35 Joint Program Office, engineers at U.S. Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) in Cherry Point, N.C., and laser technology professionals are now using a high-tech procedure to strengthen the airframe of some F-35Bs. In February 2021, the first F-35B was inducted at the FRCE to receive the procedure, known as laser shock peening, that will decrease maintenance, lengthen the life span, and ultimately reduce the cost. (U.S. Navy Photo Illustration by Enaas Sarsour)  

ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES

04.05.2021

Story by F-35 Joint Program Office Digital Media 

F-35 Joint Program Office

CRYSTAL CITY, Va. (APRIL 5, 2021) The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) teamed up with engineers at U.S. Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) in Cherry Point, North Carolina, and laser technology professionals to strengthen the airframe of the U.S. Marine Corps short take-off-vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B. In February 2021, the first F-35B was inducted at the FRCE to receive the procedure, known as laser shock peening, to enable the aircraft to reach its full structural life limit. Although not every F-35B requires this modification, there are enough aircraft to keep the new facility hard at work, reinforcing additional F-35B airframes.

"The first F-35B that completed the laser shock peening procedure is a huge milestone for the F-35 Program and culminates three months of hard work and continuous learning," said F-35 JPO Vehicle Systems Director Alex Stathopoulos. "The teams at the JPO and at the Fleet Readiness Center East now can offer a strategic capability to the U.S. Marine Corps and other F-35B variant customers that is only available today at FRCE. A second laser shock peening site will stand up later this year at Ogden Air Logistics Center, Utah. Only two sites are planned to support F-35 laser shock peening modification efforts worldwide."

Laser shock peening is a high-tech procedure that uses high-energy laser beams to strengthen materials on the aircraft's bulkhead and airframe without adding additional metal or weight to increase aircraft lifespan and reduce maintenance costs. The technique has built on the experience of more than 20 years of use on commercial aircraft components and military aircraft such as the F-22 and, most recently, the F-35.

High-energy laser beams are fired at the metal, and laser shock waves penetrate deep into metal surfaces to create residual stress patterns to counteract corrosion, cracking, and other symptoms of metal fatigue. Ultimately, it leads to a more durable airframe. Upon completion, the FRC-E will put the F-35Bs back together, perform all the flight test functions and get them back to the fleet.

"By strengthening the airframe with this advanced laser procedure, it keeps the F-35 flying because these solid structures remove critical life limits on the aircraft while not adding additional weight, allowing full fuel or weapons carrying capacity," explained Col. Michael Dehner, F-35 U.S. Marine Corps Service Deputy at the JPO. "The technology protects the warfighter and boosts our nation's defense by ensuring aircraft are ready for operational employment when called upon."

The additional safety and structural life that laser shock peening provides also allows the F-35, particularly the F-35B, to be more supportable, more affordable, and more lethal. F-35Bs are currently flying missions from deployed amphibious ships with the U.S. Marine Corps, certifying the ability to fly off the flight deck of ITS Cavour (Italian navy ship, CVH 550) while also training U.S. and allied nation pilots and maintainers to be ready to support and defend our nation's freedom.

The F-35 JPO comprises more than 2,000 uniformed, civilian, and contractor personnel, distributed across more than 40 locations around the world. The program provides fifth-generation weapons system technology in support of air combat missions for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, seven F-35 cooperative partner nations, and a growing number of foreign military sales (FMS) customers. The F-35 JPO has delivered the F-35 aircraft in partnership with industry partners and a diverse team of subordinate suppliers. To date, more than 620 F-35s have been delivered, over 368,000 safe flying hours have been accumulated, and over 1,270 pilots and 10,150 maintainers have been trained.

Visit www.jsf.mil for more information on the F-35 Lightning II.

• Date Taken: 04.05.2021
• Date Posted: 04.06.2021 14:39
• Story ID: 393035
• Location: ARLINGTON, VA, US