On previous page of this thread 'CoffmanStarter' asked: "...I'm not FJ conversant/experienced ... so just a question of curiosity ...
What is the transition speed tolerance (from Engineborne vertical to Wingborne horizontal flight) for that damn great intake flap before it becomes a huge speed retarding spoiler ... does the intake flap have selective open/close settings or is it either fully open or fully closed ?..."
Some public statistics....
F-35 Begins Year With Test Objectives Unmet [STOVL IAS Change] Jan 4, 2011 By Graham Warwick
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gener...p22-279507.xml
"...operation of the lift-fan door rescheduled to reduce airloads on the auxiliary doors during semi-jet-borne flight.
The lift-fan door was programmed to open to 65 deg. below 120 kt., and to 35 deg. above that airspeed. But with the large door fully open, loads on the auxiliary-inlet doors behind it are reduced, so the schedule has been changed to keep the lift-fan door open 65 deg. up to 165 kt. during a short takeoff, he [McFarlan] says...."
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JSF programme to proceed with UK-specific land-based carrier trials Gareth Jennings 09 Jul
2012
JSF programme to proceed with UK-specific land-based carrier trials - Farnborough 2012 | IHS Jane's
"...Wilson noted that the lift-fan door behind the cockpit does not affect the aircraft's handling when open for the landing and take-off phases of flight. "There are no issues in terms of drag," he said.
"We can open [the door] up to speeds of 250 kt and you don't feel a thing in the cockpit."..."