Boeing sues contractor over faulty F-22 parts

[unhappycamper]

Boeing sues contractor over faulty F-22 parts
By Erik Holmes - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Apr 11, 2008 15:45:32 EDT

An unknown number of F-22 Raptors — perhaps as many as 101 — are flying with defective structural parts that, if they failed, could lead to “the catastrophic loss of the aircraft,” according to a lawsuit filed March 27 by Boeing.

The titanium components, called frame forgings, are part of the forward boom assembly that attaches the wings to the fuselage of the aircraft.

Alcoa, a metal fabrication company, manufactured the forgings and is named as the defendant in the lawsuit. The suit, first reported in the Seattle Times, seeks more than $12 million in compensation and legal fees.

The suit alleges the defects are the result of Alcoa failing to heat-treat the titanium forgings long enough to produce the required “damage tolerance,” according to court documents.

Alcoa spokesman Kevin Lowery acknowledged there were defects in the forgings but said the company will defend itself in the suit.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/04/airforce_f22_defect_041108w/