F-35 Cancelled, then what ?

[SpazSinbad]

Some extra cute/pastie because some of youse will not see the entire artickle....

F-35B begins new ski-ramp testing campaign 17 Jul 2017 Richard Scott

"The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force has begun a second round of land-based F-35B ski-ramp testing at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River...

...The Phase 2 test programme began in June and is designed to expand the ski-jump envelope. This includes launches with external stores, increased crosswind conditions, and take offs at a range of different speeds....

...Three of the five F-35B system design and development aircraft have been used for Phase 2 testing, which has to date been shared by six pilots. “At least one additional pilot will be introduced shortly, in preparation for the First of Class Flight Trials on [HMS Queen Elizabeth ] next year,” Wilson added. “We will complete by the end of the year; most likely by the end of October...." F-35B begins new ski-ramp testing campaign | Jane's 360

Photo: "F-35B test aircraft BF-1 seen during Phase 2 ski ramp testing. The aircraft is pictured here configured with external pylons and AIM-9X missiles. Source: Dane Wiedmann/Lockheed Martin" http://www.janes.com/images/assets/3...387_-_main.jpg