longer ron: Non[e] of the F35 supporters seem to even question why the turkey has still not done a ski jump
I know nothing seems easy with the F-35, and yes the ski-jump will be a risk factor. I do agree that doing it sooner to check it off the list makes sense, but I really wonder if it will be somewhat of a non-event once it happens?
With the B having done over 100 flights off the flat deck on the USS WASP perhaps pressing the ramp mode button and thundering away will be no sweat. Yes I recognize there are software, landing gear, mode issues etc. that have not been verified on the ramp.
IIRC these aircraft have taken to the ramp: Sea Harrier, F-14 (with limitations), F-18, First Gen Harrier, Second Gen Harrier, Mig-29, Su-33, Su-25, S-3?, T-2, Tejas, J-15. I seem to recal E-2 was ruled out. Has Rafale?
Perhaps of interest- a US Air Force paper on ski jump analysis. F-4 Phantom ruled out, but others including F-16 and F-15 deemed OK- this was for a less extreeme, non navy type ramp.
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a237265.pdf