All B-1B Lancer bombers grounded for potential fuel filter leak

[TexasTowelie]

April 23 (UPI) -- All 57 active U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers were indefinitely grounded this week after a fuel filter problem was discovered.

Gen. Tim Ray, Air Force Global Strike Command chief, ordered the stand down after one B-1 experienced an emergency relating to its augmenter fuel pump filter housing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., earlier in April.

A large hole was discovered in the plane's filter housing after it landed, which could cause a pressurized fuel leak and a pilot's inability to utilize the plane's afterburners, known as augmented thrust, Air Force Times reported.

The issue and stand down was first reported Thursday by The War Zone.

Read more: https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/04/23/B1-grounded/4691619206312/

[SWBTATTReg]

1. Don't fuel filters get changed out on a regular basis? This is somewhat confusing as I thought

that the powers that be, in flight craft, pretty well redid literally the entire plane, etc. before each and every flight, and of course, not everything gets everything done (my guess), would be too cumbersome, too much really not needed. Just the, e.g., air filters, oil filters, etc. other kinds of stuff that needs a new filter, etc...

Now I don't know aircraft so I may be totally off the wall here. If so, I apologize to those in the know.

[Angleae]

3. All filters get changed regularly (something like every year)

However the problem looks like it was with the housing that holds the filter. As far as a pre-/post-flight inspection, engines don't get opened up except to check oil level. A post-flight is generally: is something missing/leaking/moving(that shouldn't) or low on fluid/pressure?

[SWBTATTReg]

4. Thank you for clarifying. I appreciate it very much. NT