F35 (J.S.F.) from the Cockpit

[Xplumberlives]

An old friend of mine is involved in the F35 project at Patuxent River in Maryland, USA.

This morning he sent the first of some photographs I have been promised.

Pete in the green flying safety equipment discussing his first time in the F35 with a colleague.



F35 lined up over the HOVERPIT for Petes first hot run.



Power on and tethered.


Well that was his first run, he is due further episodes shortly, I will post up more as I receive them, the Aircraft is fitted with the M.B. seat!

[Sooty655]

Interesting pics ~ keep them coming when you get them.

Is the tether location the same as the arrestor hook? If so, it seems a long way back in view of the steerable nozzle.

[Jigsaw]

Great pics mate

[Xplumberlives]

Interesting pics ~ keep them coming when you get them.

Is the tether location the same as the arrestor hook? If so, it seems a long way back in view of the steerable nozzle.

Yes that is the arrestor hook painted white tethered to the adaptor in natural metal! It is a short hook!

[Sooty655]

Interesting pics ~ keep them coming when you get them.

Is the tether location the same as the arrestor hook? If so, it seems a long way back in view of the steerable nozzle.

Yes that is the arrestor hook painted white tethered to the adaptor in natural metal! It is a short hook!

Very short. It will be interesting to see the approach angle for carrier landings.

[Xplumberlives]

I'll ask him when I next email him!

[Olicat]

Looks like someone has a fun job!

[Xplumberlives]

Just received an email from my friendly F35 Test pilot, he has now done six ground runs and is next to fly the beast!

He sent a nice picture of one his colleagues in flight.



More to follow.

[Aceyone]

Good stuff Dave,I wasn't sure about the looks but I'm warming to it now !

[Jigsaw]

That's a good pic

[Dan4th]

I think when all is said and done and you
have them in service, this aircraft will
make you very happy!

I, too, like the looks better and better the
more I see of her.

It would be great, DXP, to get your friend's
impressions of flying her to the degree he's
allowed to talk about it.........

Danf.

[Xplumberlives]

I think when all is said and done and you
have them in service, this aircraft will
make you very happy!

I, too, like the looks better and better the
more I see of her.

It would be great, DXP, to get your friend's
impressions of flying her to the degree he's
allowed to talk about it.........

Danf.

That's the plan, he is flying chase plane in F18s at the moment while waiting for a further three F35Cs to be delivered and to extend the flight testing.

[Olicat]

I really love this thread, that picture is awesome too!

[Dan4th]

There is a LOT of F-117 and SR-71
in that aircraft!

Too bad it's taken so long, but..........

At least they're on the way!

Danf.

[Xplumberlives]

Indeed, it is quite stealthy, I'm sure we will hear all about it soon!

[Dan4th]

DXP::::::::::::

We'll see, I know, but your mate
over here will KNOW more than
do EYE!

OR you!

It had damned well better be GOOD!

I pray that it is..........

D.

[Xplumberlives]

Me too! It has to be good!

[Shery]

Very nice pics.

[Dan4th]

This popped up this morning::::::::::::::



Getting Closer!

Danf.

[Dan4th]

Fairly recent, and with a Brit interviewed!



Is that your mate, Dave????????

Danf.

[Xplumberlives]

Thanks D4th, yes that's Pete and his Mate Doc!

Great to see it's coming along nicely!

[Dan4th]

Good, Dave, I'm happy you finally saw that!

Your mate Pete has the ring of credibility
about him, and I'll bet that "Doc" has a few
flying hours under his belt, eh?

What do you think?

UK appearances next summer????????????

That would be Superb!

Danf.

[Xplumberlives]

Good, Dave, I'm happy you finally saw that!

Your mate Pete has the ring of credibility
about him, and I'll bet that "Doc" has a few
flying hours under his belt, eh?

What do you think?

UK appearances next summer????????????
That would be Superb!

Danf.

I would add a couple of years to that I'm afraid!

[Dan4th]

You may be right but I hope you're wrong!

D.

[MOD]

XPL is your mate an ex-Harrier Jock? It would be interesting to hear why/how the F35 is so much better than the Harrier, from a pilot's perspective.

ibw