Where are the F-35 fanboys!?
Joint Strike Fighter acing tests, pilots report
By Dave Majumdar – Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Feb 26, 2011 9:53:22 EST
The F-35 is getting a thumbs-up from the test pilots flying it.
Both military and civilian aviators give the Joint Strike Fighter high marks on speed, altitude and vertical takeoffs and landings, as well as for its avionics.
…
The test pilots also raved about the JSF’s maneuverability, calling it a nimble machine. For example, the F-35 can handle better than a 40-degree angle of attack, which is related to the amount of lift.
“It flew great on its first flight and it’s flying great now, and we’re tweaking it to make it even better,” Taylor said.
Nelson said: “It’s not quite what an F-22 is, but it’s better than any legacy I’ve seen.”
…
The pilots especially praised the plane’s synthetic aperture radar, which takes photo-quality images of the Earth’s surface, as well as the electronic warfare suite and the communications systems.
…
Not all has been perfect, though.
The JSF has an engine “screech,” a disturbance in airflow; a phenomenon called “transonic wing roll-off,” in which it can roll unexpectedly; and a helmet-mounted display prone to latency and smearing. The problems have either been corrected or are being addressed, according to the test pilots.
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/02/air-force-jsf-acing-tests-pilots-report-022611w/
JSF will not be able to compete with the Eurocanards in airshows — however as a combat aircraft it seems to come around nicely…
Sign In
