Posted on 06/24/2015 4:55:49 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
LONDON — BAE Systems Test Pilot Pete “Wizzer” Wilson became the first pilot to launch the Lockheed Martin F-35B short take-off and vertical-landing variant of the Lightning II from a ski-jump, BAE Systems said in a June 23 release.
The launch took place at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., on June 19 from a land-based ski jump and marks the start of an initial testing phase expected to last two weeks. The trials demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to take off safely and effectively from a ski-jump ramp similar to that which will be used on the United Kingdom’s new aircraft carrier. Ski-jump ramps provide the aircraft with an upward flight path, meaning the aircraft can take off from the available distance with a greater payload, which means more weapons.
“It’s always exciting when you get to do something in aviation for the first time,” Wilson said in the release. “We spend literally years planning these ‘firsts,’ with hundreds of hours in the simulator as the event gets close, but even with all the preparation the test team remains focused on the potential that something unexpected might happen. As is usually the case, the jet performed as expected and it was a real pleasure.”
These recent trials continue to inform the F-35 program and the BAE Systems engineers involved in it on both sides of the Atlantic. That includes BAE Systems flight test engineers based in the United States and engineers in Lancashire helping to develop and test the latest technologies for the aircraft.
In Warton, Lancashire, United Kingdom, the data from the flight trials will be used to further improve the models used in a unique simulation facility. Using the latest cutting-edge technologies, engineers have developed a simulator that allowed pilots and engineers to fly the F-35 from the deck of the Queen Elizabeth carrier before either are available. This facility remains at the heart of developing a carrier strike capability for the United Kingdom.
Hey Buddy!
The lid is open!
TTIUWV
VIDEO PLEASE!
Thank YOU!
Very Cool!
Not much of an accomplishment using the VTOL .
Why is the air brake open? The open hatch between the fan doors and the cockpit is an air brake isn’t it?
Extra intake. Speed brake would never open forward.
Later
Doesn’t look like VTOL, looks more like scooping up as much air (horizontally) as possible to maximize thrust.
On a more serious note, the last flying Vulcan bomber will retire this year. I saw it last year at the Scottish Airshow and will see it again in Sept. The Airshow, happily, is held in Ayr and at Prestwick Airport, Ayr being my hometown.
I was one of the highlights of my life to be a few hundred feet from a flying Vulcan: the size and noise were stupendous. And to actually touch and explore one the day later.
It looks incredible even in 2015, still spaceage, still of the moment, yet was conceived in 1948 and built over 50 yrs ago, its been out of service 30 yrs!.
Great programme: the Gerry Anderson shows were not only great entertainment, but groundbreaking in effects, and most of the crew went on to do Star Wars, James Bond, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Space 1999 and huge TV and films in the 70’s to today.
I’ll by in Pax River next month. Hope testing is still going on.
The Vulcan used to open up the Abbotsford airshow every year, cool aircraft.
Watch out for Eddie the Eagle.
Imagine if they had enough snow on the ground.
Since 2010, the F-35 Lightning II program has met major milestones, flown more than 30,000 flight hours, completed more than 65 percent of its Test Program, trained nearly 200 pilots and 1,800 maintainers, , and delivered more than 120 jets – including the first seven international aircraft. Airplanes are flying daily, verifying the aerodynamic and mission systems performance, completing night flights and refueling, and testing the unique aspects of the three different variants.No kidding? 120 aircraft delivered?? I didn't know that.
Did you know that U.S. Marines One Test From Putting F-35 Combat Jet into Active Service?
Here's a cutaway of the Rolls Royce Lift Fan that gives the F-35B its short takeoff-vertical landing (STOVL) capability :
Apologies for the size of this picture, but it shows the fan and intake with the doors open. 
The F-35B and F-35C test fleet is shown lined up at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division test facility at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. The four F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft are in the foreground; the two F-35C carrier variant aircraft can be seen at the back of the line. Photo by Andy Wolfe and Michael D. Jackson
More about it: F-35B Lift Fan Performed ‘Nearly Flawlessly’ In Operational Test At Sea, Rolls-Royce Says
I thought Eddie the Eagle was the first Brit to do this!
-PJ
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.