article_snippet: Pierre Sprey, a former Pentagon analyst who helped design the F-16 in the early 1970s, compared the engine to 'a blowtorch surrounded by fuel.'
article_snippet: There was also a risk of catching fire if the fighter plane was shot at.
article_snippet: Last June, an F-35 burst into flames as F-35 was taxiing for take-off at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, because the engine had cracked during previous flights manoeuvres.
article_snippet: One of the Pratt & Whitney engines broke apart, pushed through the top of the aeroplane, and caught fire while the pilot was preparing to take off.
article_snippet: The entire fleet of F-35s was grounded for three weeks, and the fighter plane missed the fighter plane international debut.
article_snippet: But that was not the end of problems for the fighter jets.
highlights_snippet: But stealth F35-B was plagued by design flaws and technical setbacks .
  