Lockheed executive: F-35C proposed nose gear fix does not require a redesign

The Navy is still reviewing whether a proposed fix for the F-35C nose gear, which does not include a redesign, is suitable, according to a Lockheed Martin executive.

Jack Crisler, vice president for F-35 strategy and business development, told reporters during the Navy League's annual Sea-Air Space Symposium Tuesday the company is "satisfied" with its solution for the nose gear on the F-35C carrier variant.

Pilots have identified nose gear oscillations during catapult launches from an aircraft carrier. Inside Defense first reported the Pentagon established a red team in September to investigate the issue.

Rear Adm. Roy Kelley, the Navy’s Joint Strike Fighter fleet integration office director, told Inside Defense last month the way pilots strap into position when flying the F-35C was changed and the hold-back fitting was modified on the jet.

"Mixed reviews coming from the pilots -- we'll see what the data shows," Kelley said.