F35 C first deck landing
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F35 C first deck landing
Better late than never but given the current rate of development and achievements with UAVs I really wonder if this is not already too late.
Kinda a big deal
I do realize this is way over budget and time, but I think this is kinda a big deal with stealth strike from the sea making its first steps. Long overdue with the demise of the A-12. Latest gen jet, independent of shore bases makes the us navy perhaps more relevant.
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Considering the doom and gloom of not being able to catch a wire some time ago, think this is big news (assuming they continue to catch the wire reliably) For the sake of the programme, I just hope that most of the other concerns of PPRUNERs can be addressed as well!
A view from a camera looking along the wire at the point of touchdown would be useful.
Given that the original problem appeared to be the wheels squashing the arrester wire flat on the deck, so the hook passed over before the wire could be lifted back into position again by the springs in the deck for a reliable trap, I would like more reassurance that a reliable solution has been found.
Given that the original problem appeared to be the wheels squashing the arrester wire flat on the deck, so the hook passed over before the wire could be lifted back into position again by the springs in the deck for a reliable trap, I would like more reassurance that a reliable solution has been found.
Last edited by Mechta; 4th Nov 2014 at 16:10.
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Melchett and Courtney,
Perhaps I can help a little.
The USN and Navair in particular have been bringing new aircraft to flight decks for longer than anyone else in the world. They know this stuff backwards, forwards and sideways. So:
1. I would be extremely surprised if such cameras weren't installed for the trials. I would also be very surprised if the videos were publicly released before they were thoroughly analysed by Navair.
2. I would also offer the thought that the F-35C would have got nowhere near the flight deck unless Navair were totally convinced (and indeed reassured) that the aircraft can reliably take a wire. I'm sure that if any of us posting on this thread were actually involved in the project and required that reassurance we would get it. We're not, so we won't.
Best Regards as ever to those working the issues and making the hardware work for real
Engines
Perhaps I can help a little.
The USN and Navair in particular have been bringing new aircraft to flight decks for longer than anyone else in the world. They know this stuff backwards, forwards and sideways. So:
1. I would be extremely surprised if such cameras weren't installed for the trials. I would also be very surprised if the videos were publicly released before they were thoroughly analysed by Navair.
2. I would also offer the thought that the F-35C would have got nowhere near the flight deck unless Navair were totally convinced (and indeed reassured) that the aircraft can reliably take a wire. I'm sure that if any of us posting on this thread were actually involved in the project and required that reassurance we would get it. We're not, so we won't.
Best Regards as ever to those working the issues and making the hardware work for real
Engines
Strangely that camera appears to be in line with wire 2, when the aircraft in the videos appears to have caught a three-wire (happy days), in which case wheels contact the deck before the wire prior to the hook engaging.
As Engines suggests, reassuring the internet ain't the priority here.
As Engines suggests, reassuring the internet ain't the priority here.
Con-pilot, We went round that loop on here a couple of years ago. As far as I recall it would upset the stealth properties, and/or make it a lot more complicated if the hook were telescopic.
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Thanks as always 'Engines' and as 'Not_a_boffin' suggests it looks like the main wheels are a tad below the hook point at Optimum Angle of Attack approach attitude. The two aircraft did not catapult because of aircraft test sensor issues according to a Break Dat Fence report ( F-35C To Navy: Note My Lovely USS Nimitz Landings « Breaking Defense - Defense industry news, analysis and commentary ) so that would indicate that the hook up touch and goes (with a wave off for whatever reason) seen in the video here: http://www.pprune.org/military-aviat...ml#post8726985 were performed before the actual arrests of the two test aircraft.
From the same video again posted below we can see the aircraft filmed from a 'looking up the flight path' viewpoint. Steady orange (at Opt AoA) for first arrest with the second chap having a millisecond or two green for slow but back to orange ASAP.
How the hook is designed is up to the aircraft designers. If that design is a good wire catcher then end of story. One day we will perhaps have some statistics from the comprehensive initial 'Shake Rattle and Roll' testing (mostly at PaxRiver). These are multiple arrests simulating all kinds of challenging approach and ship movement (by having the aircraft in odd situations) for multiple arrests - all most likely successful. As mentioned - the aircraft would not go to sea if they were not likely to arrest.
For 'RetiredF4' both aircraft had no. 3 (target) wire arrests from all reports (from the 4 available). IF the camera is at no.2 wire then all is good. No?
From the same video again posted below we can see the aircraft filmed from a 'looking up the flight path' viewpoint. Steady orange (at Opt AoA) for first arrest with the second chap having a millisecond or two green for slow but back to orange ASAP.
How the hook is designed is up to the aircraft designers. If that design is a good wire catcher then end of story. One day we will perhaps have some statistics from the comprehensive initial 'Shake Rattle and Roll' testing (mostly at PaxRiver). These are multiple arrests simulating all kinds of challenging approach and ship movement (by having the aircraft in odd situations) for multiple arrests - all most likely successful. As mentioned - the aircraft would not go to sea if they were not likely to arrest.
For 'RetiredF4' both aircraft had no. 3 (target) wire arrests from all reports (from the 4 available). IF the camera is at no.2 wire then all is good. No?
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 4th Nov 2014 at 18:05. Reason: extra text
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That's a pic from the wire it should have hit,but missed?
Regardless, a great milestone now proving that the new hook can take a wire and arrest the F-35C from a carrier approach. Many sincere congratulations to the team that worked tirelessly to make this happen.
Last edited by MSOCS; 4th Nov 2014 at 18:15.
