Tuesday, February 14, 2012

F-35B Ship Suitability Testing


This video was made  six weeks ago in the Atlantic, just off Newport News( Hampton Roads), Virginia
The latest sea trials of the F-35B on the USS Wasp. They were very successful, with 74 VL's and STO's in a three week period. The media and the program critics had predicted that we would burn holes in the deck and wash sailors overboard. Neither of which happened. You will notice a sailor standing on the bow of the ship as the jet rotates. That was an intentional part of the sea trials.
No catapult... 
No hook....
It's a new world out there!



The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variant completed ship suitability testing aboard the USS WASP (LHD-1) off the coast of Virginia in October 2011. Combined, F-35B test aircraft BF-2 and BF-4 accomplished 72 short takeoffs and 72 vertical landings during the three-week testing period

2 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 15, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    Way over due in replacing the Harrier from the United Kingdom. I am pretty sure it is very difficult to logistically support the Harrier
    Joel Selko

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 15, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    Looks impressive. Right now the F-35 is the most expensive weapon system in the USA arsenal, which makes me wonder if it's worth it. The USA spends $600+ Billions in defense, more than the rest of the world combined military budgets. Notwithstanding that money it took them 10 years to take down Osama Bin Laden (they almost screw the mission), left a mess in Iraq, and sooner than later will do the same in Afghanistan.

    For decades the USA military focus was fighting the Russians in central Europe. Thus, their doctrine, training, and military hardware was developed for that purpose. Now the threat is China and its increasing presence and influence in Asia, the China sea, and the Pacific basin.

    Financial constraints are forcing the USA to restructure their military to reduce defense budgets. They will have to reduce active duty units and rely more on reserve components to fill the gaps.

    Which brings up the issue of those expensive weapons systems, like the F-35. China and Russia are developing similar systems at a fraction of the cost for the USA. So, where is the money going? Remember the military buildup in the Reagan years, where the DOD paid $400 for hammers and $600 for toilet seat covers?

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