F-35 Cancelled, then what ?
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I believe the RAF have been carrying out practice intercepts using the assets they believe they will have available if the F-35 project fails..
Last edited by NutLoose; 11th Aug 2013 at 15:27.
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Well i didn't see it when i took it. 
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Hugely expensive.
Because of the money invested. It WILL have to work.
I would feel safer on an F-35B than a B787-8.* gulps* (whatever that means in net jargon?).
The fly-by-wire, will make it easier to fly than a Harrier.
May I suggest, a few trials on HMS Illustrious. Just to make a point to the Spanish, and everybody else?
A good time for some sales promotion. Flying off 'Lusty', while she is docked in Gibraltar?
Oops ! Have I just upset our loyal and faithful European friends ?
Because of the money invested. It WILL have to work.
I would feel safer on an F-35B than a B787-8.* gulps* (whatever that means in net jargon?).
The fly-by-wire, will make it easier to fly than a Harrier.
May I suggest, a few trials on HMS Illustrious. Just to make a point to the Spanish, and everybody else?
A good time for some sales promotion. Flying off 'Lusty', while she is docked in Gibraltar?
Oops ! Have I just upset our loyal and faithful European friends ?
Last edited by Stuffy; 13th Aug 2013 at 22:50.
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U.K. Prepares For Major JSF Procurement Decisions
According to the linked Aviation Week item, above, the UK is gearing up for an initial purchase an estimated 14 jets in addition to the 3 already at Eglin. It also says the first aircraft are planned to arrive in the UK in 2018.
LF
According to the linked Aviation Week item, above, the UK is gearing up for an initial purchase an estimated 14 jets in addition to the 3 already at Eglin. It also says the first aircraft are planned to arrive in the UK in 2018.
LF
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F-35Bs for Singapore - Pass it on...
Defense Writers Group A Project of the Center for Media & Security, New York and Washington, D.C.
General Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle Commander, Pacific Air Forces July 29, 2013
page 13 of 18
http://www.airforcemag.com/DWG/Docum...13Carlisle.pdf (200Kb)
General Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle Commander, Pacific Air Forces July 29, 2013
"...DWG: Can I ask a follow-up on that question? Specifically, to that end, do you have a strong feeling about Korea’s fighter competition which has been — [Laughter]. Then you also mentioned Singapore. We reported and heard that they are, they’re part of the F-35 program already, but that there was some movement to kind of complete an inertial[sic] sale. Can you give us an update on —
General Carlisle: I talked to their CDF [Chief of Defense Force], Chee Meng. I was just in Singapore. Singapore’s decided to buy the B model, the VSTOL variant to begin with. But I don’t know where they’re at in putting it into their budget. I know that’s a decision that’s been made and that’s why they’re part of the program, but I don’t know where they’re at in putting that in the budget...."
General Carlisle: I talked to their CDF [Chief of Defense Force], Chee Meng. I was just in Singapore. Singapore’s decided to buy the B model, the VSTOL variant to begin with. But I don’t know where they’re at in putting it into their budget. I know that’s a decision that’s been made and that’s why they’re part of the program, but I don’t know where they’re at in putting that in the budget...."
http://www.airforcemag.com/DWG/Docum...13Carlisle.pdf (200Kb)
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 15th Aug 2013 at 20:06. Reason: 'inertial' should be "initial"
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1st F-35B Night DL 14 Aug 2013 USS Wasp at sea
Marine test pilot makes first F-35B night landing at sea 15 Aug 2013 By F-35 Joint Program Office Public Affairs | Headquarters Marine Corps
Marine test pilot makes first F-35B night landing at sea > Headquarters Marine Corps > News Article Display
CAPTION: "CAPTION: "Lt. Col. C.R. “Jimi” Clift makes the first F-35B Lightning II night landing on USS Wasp during the second at-sea F-35 developmental test event, Aug. 14. The F-35 Integrated Test Force is embarked on the Wasp for three weeks to expand the F-35B operational envelope in preparation for Marine Corps initial operational capability test in 2015. (Photo by MCSN Michael T. Forbes II, U.S. Navy) (Photo by MCSN Michael T. Forbes II)"
PHOTO:
http://media.dma.mil/2013/Aug/15/200...-ML172-136.JPG
"USS WASP, At Sea -- A key milestone on the path to declaring F-35B initial operating capability for the U.S. Marine Corps is underway.
The F-35 Integrated Test Force from NAS Patuxent River, Md. embarked USS Wasp, Aug. 12, for the second at-sea test of the F-35B Lightning II, the short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter.
Developmental Test Phase Two is the second of three planned tests aimed at expanding the F-35B’s shipboard operating envelope for the U.S. Marine Corps. The first shipboard testing phase was successfully completed in October 2011. A milestone many point to as a turning point in F-35B development.
During the 18-day long ship trials, two F-35Bs will conduct a series of tests to determine the aircraft’s suitability for sea-based operations. Pilots will expand the F-35Bs allowable wind envelope for launch and recovery, conduct first-ever night operations at sea, conduct initial mission systems evaluations at sea, evaluate the dynamic interface associated with aircraft operations on a moving flight deck, and further evaluate shipboard sustainment of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
On Aug. 14, the first DT-II night vertical landing was accomplished by F-35 Marine Corps test pilot, Lt. Col. C.R. “Jimi” Clift. Clift, a Harrier pilot by training was pleased to be part of the milestone event.
“It all went extremely well,” said Clift. “Eight successful landings in one night, so we’re tracking favorably along the learning curve.”
Preparing for DT- II was no small task. Extensive Field Carrier Landing Practice training and qualifications wrapped up last week for the ITF at Patuxent River. Engineers completed electromagnetic environmental effects testing on the pair of F-35Bs being used in the ship trials. During the past month, F-35 maintainers have completed several actions to ensure the aircraft and support equipment were ready for shipboard operations.
Meanwhile, USS Wasp underwent a series of shipyard modifications to accommodate the F-35B, to include application of a new composite deck coating that offers additional heat protection, movement of some lights and sensors to better support F-35 landings, and installation of equipment to monitor environmental effects and collect data during F-35 operations. major actions taken included an on-site engine removal,which was performed in record time to ensure the aircraft were ready to deploy.
At the conclusion of DT-II, the Navy and Marine Corps team should have sufficient data to support certification for future F-35B Lighting II shipboard operations in anticipation of 2015 deployment."
The F-35 Integrated Test Force from NAS Patuxent River, Md. embarked USS Wasp, Aug. 12, for the second at-sea test of the F-35B Lightning II, the short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter.
Developmental Test Phase Two is the second of three planned tests aimed at expanding the F-35B’s shipboard operating envelope for the U.S. Marine Corps. The first shipboard testing phase was successfully completed in October 2011. A milestone many point to as a turning point in F-35B development.
During the 18-day long ship trials, two F-35Bs will conduct a series of tests to determine the aircraft’s suitability for sea-based operations. Pilots will expand the F-35Bs allowable wind envelope for launch and recovery, conduct first-ever night operations at sea, conduct initial mission systems evaluations at sea, evaluate the dynamic interface associated with aircraft operations on a moving flight deck, and further evaluate shipboard sustainment of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
On Aug. 14, the first DT-II night vertical landing was accomplished by F-35 Marine Corps test pilot, Lt. Col. C.R. “Jimi” Clift. Clift, a Harrier pilot by training was pleased to be part of the milestone event.
“It all went extremely well,” said Clift. “Eight successful landings in one night, so we’re tracking favorably along the learning curve.”
Preparing for DT- II was no small task. Extensive Field Carrier Landing Practice training and qualifications wrapped up last week for the ITF at Patuxent River. Engineers completed electromagnetic environmental effects testing on the pair of F-35Bs being used in the ship trials. During the past month, F-35 maintainers have completed several actions to ensure the aircraft and support equipment were ready for shipboard operations.
Meanwhile, USS Wasp underwent a series of shipyard modifications to accommodate the F-35B, to include application of a new composite deck coating that offers additional heat protection, movement of some lights and sensors to better support F-35 landings, and installation of equipment to monitor environmental effects and collect data during F-35 operations. major actions taken included an on-site engine removal,which was performed in record time to ensure the aircraft were ready to deploy.
At the conclusion of DT-II, the Navy and Marine Corps team should have sufficient data to support certification for future F-35B Lighting II shipboard operations in anticipation of 2015 deployment."
CAPTION: "CAPTION: "Lt. Col. C.R. “Jimi” Clift makes the first F-35B Lightning II night landing on USS Wasp during the second at-sea F-35 developmental test event, Aug. 14. The F-35 Integrated Test Force is embarked on the Wasp for three weeks to expand the F-35B operational envelope in preparation for Marine Corps initial operational capability test in 2015. (Photo by MCSN Michael T. Forbes II, U.S. Navy) (Photo by MCSN Michael T. Forbes II)"
PHOTO:
http://media.dma.mil/2013/Aug/15/200...-ML172-136.JPG
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 15th Aug 2013 at 20:35. Reason: PHOTO add
Cool pic, Spaz - though maybe "cool" isn't quite the word. No thermal effects on the deck there, nosiree Bob!
And here is a link to a pretty photo for the weekend, showing how the brilliantly inspired design of the F-35 eliminates anything that might cue the defenders to its presence...
Navy.mil - View Image
And here is a link to a pretty photo for the weekend, showing how the brilliantly inspired design of the F-35 eliminates anything that might cue the defenders to its presence...
Navy.mil - View Image
Last edited by LowObservable; 16th Aug 2013 at 21:46.
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Cool pic, Spaz - though maybe "cool" isn't quite the word. No thermal effects on the deck there, nosiree Bob!
And here is a link to a pretty photo for the weekend, showing how the brilliantly inspired design of the F-35 eliminates anything that might cue the defenders to its presence...
And here is a link to a pretty photo for the weekend, showing how the brilliantly inspired design of the F-35 eliminates anything that might cue the defenders to its presence...
Impressive pic Spaz, thanks for sharing.
Last edited by Killface; 16th Aug 2013 at 22:52.
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PhotoFckIt doan work for me again and whilst trying to get it to work I note that the DooLine has the same photo but it is USN official so go there or here for this Bewtay:
ORIGINAL: (5.5Mb)
http://www.navy.mil/management/photo...-ZZ999-390.jpg
OR:
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/th...9-390-1200.jpg
Whilst FluckR has got to be the most modified ridiculous place after me own name sake I have ever seen but maybe it is just me....
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9...d262d195_o.jpg
Photo not shown on previous page now cropped here:
And... a slightly edited photie from here: http://webpic.chinareviewnews.com/up.../102682499.jpg
"130814-O-ZZ999-390 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 14, 2013) An F-35B Lightning II aircraft lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during the second at-sea F-35 developmental test event. The F-35B is the Marine Corps variant of the Joint Strike Fighter and is undergoing testing aboard Wasp. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin by Andy Wolfe/Released)/Released)"
http://www.navy.mil/management/photo...-ZZ999-390.jpg
OR:
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/th...9-390-1200.jpg
Whilst FluckR has got to be the most modified ridiculous place after me own name sake I have ever seen but maybe it is just me....
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9...d262d195_o.jpg
Photo not shown on previous page now cropped here:
And... a slightly edited photie from here: http://webpic.chinareviewnews.com/up.../102682499.jpg
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 17th Aug 2013 at 09:20. Reason: TOO BIG photie
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SRVL Details
RAMP UP Deck-mounted ski-jump assembly marks key step toward U.K. carrier-based JSF operations
Aviation Week & Space Technology / 19 Aug 2013 pp.33-35
Aviation Week & Space Technology / 19 Aug 2013 pp.33-35
"...Design work is also close to completion on the ship-borne rolling-vertical-landing (SRVL) system, which is being developed for the U.K. by Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman. The SRVL technique, which will also be used by the U.S. Marine Corps while operating F-35B short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing variants from U.S. Navy carriers, enables the aircraft to land at heavier weights than possible when making a vertical landing. Initial flight trials of the F-35B, including SRVLs, are expected in 2018.
Under this technique, the aircraft will follow a conventional 2.5-3-deg. glideslope from 1,000-ft. toward the carrier until leveling off at 200 ft., where it will stabilize for a final approach at 7 deg. Flying at around 60 kt., compared to 120 kt. for a conventional carrier approach, up to 5-10 % of the overall lift will be generated by forward flight.
"This increases the recovery weight above vertical landing and enhances the bring-back load by an extra 2,000-4,000 lb.," says Atkinson. "The intention is always to stop with brakes and engine at idle, compared to the carrier landing where the intent is always to bolter (aka touch-and-go). The SRVL touchdown point is variable with ship motion, while the carrier landing point is always on the arresting wires.
Pilots will fly the approach using a stabilized and illuminated aim point on the ship's deck and a ship-referenced velocity vector on their helmet-mounted displays. The technique is being developed using a modified flight simulator at BAE's Warton, England, facility.
The company has also been running tests at its hot-gas test rig at the same site to replicate the aero-thermal environment caused by the F-35's exhaust.
"The F-35 has a much more powerful propulsion system so we have to take account of the high-energy, hot-cold flow. We looked in the simulator at the repeatability of approaches and at how much of the catwalks we would have to sterilize (heat treat). We also looked at hover transition corridors for aircraft to land. We used computational fluid dynamics and subscale model tests to protect areas from heat transfer; along with full-scale testing," says Atkinson.
BAE built a 15.7%-scale model of a QEC catwalk with containers, fuel systems, life rafts and sections of the ship's deck. It then used the hot-gas test rig at Warton to expose the model to the full-scale pressure of a F-35 gas stream. "We've been testing things like life rafts without and with all sorts of covers. We want to protect for a single pass in areas that would not normally be overflown," he adds."
Under this technique, the aircraft will follow a conventional 2.5-3-deg. glideslope from 1,000-ft. toward the carrier until leveling off at 200 ft., where it will stabilize for a final approach at 7 deg. Flying at around 60 kt., compared to 120 kt. for a conventional carrier approach, up to 5-10 % of the overall lift will be generated by forward flight.
"This increases the recovery weight above vertical landing and enhances the bring-back load by an extra 2,000-4,000 lb.," says Atkinson. "The intention is always to stop with brakes and engine at idle, compared to the carrier landing where the intent is always to bolter (aka touch-and-go). The SRVL touchdown point is variable with ship motion, while the carrier landing point is always on the arresting wires.
Pilots will fly the approach using a stabilized and illuminated aim point on the ship's deck and a ship-referenced velocity vector on their helmet-mounted displays. The technique is being developed using a modified flight simulator at BAE's Warton, England, facility.
The company has also been running tests at its hot-gas test rig at the same site to replicate the aero-thermal environment caused by the F-35's exhaust.
"The F-35 has a much more powerful propulsion system so we have to take account of the high-energy, hot-cold flow. We looked in the simulator at the repeatability of approaches and at how much of the catwalks we would have to sterilize (heat treat). We also looked at hover transition corridors for aircraft to land. We used computational fluid dynamics and subscale model tests to protect areas from heat transfer; along with full-scale testing," says Atkinson.
BAE built a 15.7%-scale model of a QEC catwalk with containers, fuel systems, life rafts and sections of the ship's deck. It then used the hot-gas test rig at Warton to expose the model to the full-scale pressure of a F-35 gas stream. "We've been testing things like life rafts without and with all sorts of covers. We want to protect for a single pass in areas that would not normally be overflown," he adds."
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RAMP me UP Scottie?
RAMP UP Deck-mounted ski-jump assembly marks key step toward U.K. carrier-based JSF operations
Guy Norris, Aviation Week & Space Technology / 19 Aug 2013 pp.33-34
Guy Norris, Aviation Week & Space Technology / 19 Aug 2013 pp.33-34
"...The 200-ft.-long ramp is the longest ever fitted to a carrier and, like the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers (QEC) themselves, is the first of its type to be purpose-designed from the outset for F-35 operations. Angled at 12.5 deg., the ramp wiii be 20-ft. high and is designed to reduce the required deck roll on takeoff by up to 50%, or allow an increased payload of up to 20%. The ramp achieves this by boosting vertical velocity, giving the aircraft a ballistic launch profile that provides it with additional time to accelerate to flying speed.
However; the ski ramp imparts added loads on the landing gear during launch and, because these can be increased by even small variations in the surface of the ramp or by the interface with the deck, developers are paying special attention to the build tolerances. David Atkinson, who leads JSF/QEC integration activities for BAE Systems, says the requirement for build accuracy is even greater than for previous ski jump designs because the F-35 has a wide tricycle gear. This makes it more exposed to variability than the narrower footprint of the tandem main gear of the Harrier, for which the concept was originally conceived in the 1970s. In addition, the center section of the carrier deck is cambered to prevent pooling of water, further complicating the interface with the ramp.
"You have to allow for the effect of deck-plate bumps and sags, and when the ship is floated up we will go over it with laser mapping to measure the actual tolerances achieved in build," says Atkinson, who was speaking at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviation 2013 conference in Los Angeles.
The ramp has been designed by BAE and Lockheed Martin, rather than the shipbuilders, and is configured with two curves. The initial entry or "cubic" curve leads to a let-down or "ellipse" section that provides the launch point for the aircraft. The ramp's makeup provides a positive climb rate and no more than a zero sink rate if wind-over-deck conditions are less than expected...."
However; the ski ramp imparts added loads on the landing gear during launch and, because these can be increased by even small variations in the surface of the ramp or by the interface with the deck, developers are paying special attention to the build tolerances. David Atkinson, who leads JSF/QEC integration activities for BAE Systems, says the requirement for build accuracy is even greater than for previous ski jump designs because the F-35 has a wide tricycle gear. This makes it more exposed to variability than the narrower footprint of the tandem main gear of the Harrier, for which the concept was originally conceived in the 1970s. In addition, the center section of the carrier deck is cambered to prevent pooling of water, further complicating the interface with the ramp.
"You have to allow for the effect of deck-plate bumps and sags, and when the ship is floated up we will go over it with laser mapping to measure the actual tolerances achieved in build," says Atkinson, who was speaking at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviation 2013 conference in Los Angeles.
The ramp has been designed by BAE and Lockheed Martin, rather than the shipbuilders, and is configured with two curves. The initial entry or "cubic" curve leads to a let-down or "ellipse" section that provides the launch point for the aircraft. The ramp's makeup provides a positive climb rate and no more than a zero sink rate if wind-over-deck conditions are less than expected...."
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 18th Aug 2013 at 00:55. Reason: Orfer Namen
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Sqdn Ldr Schofield Aboard USS Wasp DT II
Navy/Marine Corps Team: Testing F-35B Lightning II Aircraft Aboard USS Wasp
Story Number: NNS130816-07 Release Date: 8/16/2013
By Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Michael T. Forbes, USS Wasp Public Affairs
Navy/Marine Corps Team: Testing F-35B Lightning II Aircraft Aboard USS Wasp
&
Large Photo: http://www.navy.mil/management/photo...-WI365-075.JPG (1Mb) [HERE CROPPED]
CAPTION: "130814-N-ML172-152 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 14, 2013) An F-35B Lightning II aircraft takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during the second at-sea F-35 developmental test event. The F-35B is the Marine Corps variant of the joint strike fighter and is undergoing testing aboard Wasp. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael T. Forbes II/Released)"
"(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael T. Forbes II/Released)"
http://www.navy.mil/management/photo...-ML172-278.JPG [HERE CROPPED]
Story Number: NNS130816-07 Release Date: 8/16/2013
By Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Michael T. Forbes, USS Wasp Public Affairs
"...DT-II is the second of three test phases encompassing numerous milestone events including the first night operation at sea as well as the first launch and recovery of the F-35B at sea by a U.K. test pilot. The goal of this testing is to further define F-35B operating parameters aboard amphibious ships such as Wasp....
...Launch and recoveries filled the first, second and third days at sea creating smooth, synchronized daytime operations. Wasp flight deck crew members were trained in advance of DT-II to prepare them for F-35B operations at sea, ensuring all those involved were ready to support DT-II.
"The crew itself has spent quite a bit of time up at Patuxent River working with the F-35B understanding how the aircraft operates," said Capt. Brian Teets, Wasp's commanding officer....
...U.K. Squadron Leader Jim Schofield, a Royal Air Force pilot became the first international pilot to conduct sea-based launch and landing in the F-35B.
"It's exciting to see the integration of this new plane with the amphibious assault ships," said Schofield. "After a year leading up to this evolution, it's awesome to get here and start. And the crew has been especially accommodating and efficient at running these tests smoothly."...
...Launch and recoveries filled the first, second and third days at sea creating smooth, synchronized daytime operations. Wasp flight deck crew members were trained in advance of DT-II to prepare them for F-35B operations at sea, ensuring all those involved were ready to support DT-II.
"The crew itself has spent quite a bit of time up at Patuxent River working with the F-35B understanding how the aircraft operates," said Capt. Brian Teets, Wasp's commanding officer....
...U.K. Squadron Leader Jim Schofield, a Royal Air Force pilot became the first international pilot to conduct sea-based launch and landing in the F-35B.
"It's exciting to see the integration of this new plane with the amphibious assault ships," said Schofield. "After a year leading up to this evolution, it's awesome to get here and start. And the crew has been especially accommodating and efficient at running these tests smoothly."...
&
Large Photo: http://www.navy.mil/management/photo...-WI365-075.JPG (1Mb) [HERE CROPPED]
CAPTION: "130814-N-ML172-152 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 14, 2013) An F-35B Lightning II aircraft takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during the second at-sea F-35 developmental test event. The F-35B is the Marine Corps variant of the joint strike fighter and is undergoing testing aboard Wasp. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael T. Forbes II/Released)"
"(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael T. Forbes II/Released)"
http://www.navy.mil/management/photo...-ML172-278.JPG [HERE CROPPED]
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 18th Aug 2013 at 06:18. Reason: AddPhoto
Do a Hover - it avoids G
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Those who cannot sleep at night because of the thermal situation under an F-35B as it does a VL might do well to wonder why its rubber tyres don’t mind.