The JSF program recently had another milestone when BF-2, a F-35B variant, made the first vertical landing at sea for the type. The landing, which took place on the USS Wasp’s flight deck, kicked off a two-week sea trial period. There are at least two more periods of sea trials planned.
During the trials, which appear to be going swimmingly, the aircraft will be tested for its compatibility with deployment from sea. Tests include vertical landing, short takeoffs, and integration with ship-board systems, like hangars and the flight deck. The end goal is to prove that the aircraft is a viable replacement to the venerable Harrier. In addition to sensors aboard the aircraft, the Wasp spent time in a shipyard be outfitted with specialized instrumentation to measure deck environmental effects (i.e., they don’t want the aircraft to peel the surface off the deck).
Pending its success in sea trials and completion of the flight testing program at NAS Patuxent River, the F-35B is slated for deployment to the U.S. Marine Corps. It is intended for use on amphibious ships or expeditionary airfields as the primary source of air power for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. It will replace Marine AV-8B Harriers and F-18 Hornets. To follow the progress of the JSF, head over to the JSF program website.
Hello, my name is Matt Everett and as of 1/1/2010 I am a private pilot ASEL. I started this blog early in my training and used it primarily as a place to keep notes of my lessons. Since then it has grown to much more than that, but my main focus is still on aviation experiences.
