Tue, Nov 01, 2011
Aircraft Performed 'Better Than Predicted'
F-35 integrated test force personnel and F-35C test aircraft
CF-3 returned to NAS Patuxent River last week after completing two
major catapult test events. Starting this past summer, the test
team put the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter through
its first set of catapult launches. The goal was to complete an
initial structural survey of the aircraft to withstand launch
stresses and the impact of steam ingestion into the engine.
U.S. Navy Photo
"The testing went very well," said Tom Chaillou, lead government
ship suitability engineer. "The aircraft completed the structural
survey, and the steam ingestion was a non-factor. The team spent a
lot of time up at Lakehurst [NJ] away from home, and just did a
tremendous job."
The team completed more than 50 launches to collect the needed
data. The steam ingestion data produced robust results, allowing
the team to reduce the number of test launches by four. "[The
F-35C] did really well from the cockpit perspective," said Cmdr.
Eric Buus, F-35 test pilot. "The aircraft actually flew away after
launch a bit better than was predicted."
Catapult testing will continue at Lakehurst and Patuxent River
to include launches at varying weights and stores, and with
increased mission system functionality.
The F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is
distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing
surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches
and deck landing impacts associated with the demanding aircraft
carrier environment. Initial carrier trials for the F-35C are
scheduled for 2013. The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at
NAS Patuxent River before delivery to the fleet.
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