bobdina
06-26-2010, 11:41 AM
JSF tests begin to prepare for carrier landings
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jun 26, 2010 9:10:47 EDT
Will the Navy version of the new F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter hold up under the stress of real-life carrier landings?
That’s the next critical question for the F-35C after making its first flight June 6 in the skies over Texas.
Lockheed Martin has begun stress-tests that include dropping the aircraft from heights of more than 11 feet to gauge the structural integrity of the aircraft.
The company tested the drops at various angles and weight distributions in an effort to “mimic the wide range of landing conditions expected in the fleet,” according to a statement from Lockheed.
Preliminary computer-based testing identified cracking in the F-35s’ airframe, prompting adjustments in its design, Navy officials said.
The F-35Cs first real carrier landing is scheduled for 2012, and the Navy hopes the aircraft will be ready for operations in 2016.
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2010/06/navy_F35_dropping_062510w/
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jun 26, 2010 9:10:47 EDT
Will the Navy version of the new F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter hold up under the stress of real-life carrier landings?
That’s the next critical question for the F-35C after making its first flight June 6 in the skies over Texas.
Lockheed Martin has begun stress-tests that include dropping the aircraft from heights of more than 11 feet to gauge the structural integrity of the aircraft.
The company tested the drops at various angles and weight distributions in an effort to “mimic the wide range of landing conditions expected in the fleet,” according to a statement from Lockheed.
Preliminary computer-based testing identified cracking in the F-35s’ airframe, prompting adjustments in its design, Navy officials said.
The F-35Cs first real carrier landing is scheduled for 2012, and the Navy hopes the aircraft will be ready for operations in 2016.
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2010/06/navy_F35_dropping_062510w/