F-35B Lightning II: From The Deckplate Of USS Wasp 28 Aug 2013
by Capt. Brian Teets | USS Wasp (LHD 1) commanding officer
"USS Wasp (LHD 1) Sailors are supporting testing and validation of the F-35B Lightning II until Aug. 30.The ship’s commanding officer explains how Wasp has prepared for the testing. (NAVY LIVE BLOG 26 AUG 13) Capt. Brian Teets...
...Since Wasp’s designation as the F-35B LHD test platform, she has undergone a series of alterations and training evolutions to support hosting both the first and second underway phases of developmental testing; Development Testing I in October 2011 and now, Development Testing II in August 2013.
During Development Testing II, the F-35B Integrated Test Force is focused on expanding integration of the F-35B with large deck amphibious ships. This testing provides the baseline for the aircraft’s operational test in 2015. In preparation for Development Testing II, Wasp has been modified with special and unique infrastructure to accommodate test equipment, some deck-edge equipment has been moved, and accommodations for monitoring performance and environmental factors were added.
For example, we modified deck markings and lights to include the tramline and short take-off cue, we installed new materials to support thermal loading, and brought aboard temporary facilities to handle charging and storage of Lithium-Ion batteries. In some cases, the modifications not only accommodated F-35B but solved legacy ship-aircraft integration issues associated with the MV-22. For example, the new non-skid solution used for the F-35B is now an option for addressing MV-22 deck heating in operations and maintenance areas. That could be a big win for reducing maintenance time and keeping ships at sea...."
F-35B Lightning II: From The Deckplate Of USS Wasp - Association of Naval Aviation in Virginia Beach, Virginia - Hampton Roads Squadron