Forum: General F-35 Forum

VIDEO: Yes, the F-35 ejection seat works By Stephen Trimble on April 8, 2011

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-d ... on-se.html
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SAME VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIz5z9VoLJU [Best Qual is 0.65Mb in IE Cache]
[TEXT:"Uploaded by BAESystemsplc on Apr 4, 2011
F35 Ejector seat trials
BAE Systems has led a fully integrated industry effort to deliver a production standard escape system for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The F-35 escape system is used in emergency situations ensuring pilots can eject safely. It will be fitted to all 3000+ F-35 aircraft to be operated by Armed Forces across the globe.

The system has been tested to its limits as a full scale front section of the aircraft, complete with ejection seat and mannequin was launched at speeds in excess of 600 mph down a test track putting the escape system through its paces. More than 30 ejection seat tests were completed in the UK, France and the USA."]

"...We are sure that this sled test of the F-35 ejection seat shows the system has made progress since malfunctions derailed flight tests temporarily in late 2008. Monthly assessment reports by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) revealed the ejection seat problems:

"As of 12 Dec 08, aircraft testing has been impacted as a result of engine and ejection seat anomalies. Seat anomalies were observed in the ejection sequence during an escape system sled test on 20 Nov 08, with two successive failures occurring during subsequent qualification testing. An investigation revealed that the ejection seat sequencer failed to function properly and the ejection seat operated in back-up mode. Data indicates a communications fault during sequencer power-up -- bench testing has shown that the sequencer is fully functional following the communications fault."

BAE Systems now says the system has completed tests of the ejection seat in full-scale mock-up of the nose section at 600mph."

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FlightDreamz asked about ejecting through canopy? I guess we see the detonating cord at rear of canopy in this photo via SpudmanWP on this thread: http://www.f-16.net/f-16_forum_viewtopi ... rt-30.html

http://i619.photobucket.com/albums/tt27 ... b642fc.jpg

Thanks Spaz I can see the det cord on the canopy now, I didn't notice at first that the test sled didn't have the canopy just the ejection seat mechanism (blame that on not paying attention)! I was just under the impression the canopy would be part of the testing at some point - as it's not being jettisoned like most combat aircraft (due to F-35B STOVL requirements I believe).
Just chalk it up to one of my "fly by posts" where I typed out a post before I really thought it though! Doh

Lot's of good photos and info though so thanks for that. Thumb

Here is a good shot of the canopy. Notice that the det cord (for lack of a better term) is in a straight line rather than a zig-zag pattern as seen in previous fighters. Open the picture in another frame for a much larger shot.

One of the slides shows the cord fired.
Pretty neat.

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-d ... tudies.pdf

Thanks for the extra info VV & SWP.

Info much appreciated Spaz and VarkVet! I've seen photos where it shows what looks like the det cord in the canopy above and slightly behind(?) the pilot but I've yet to be able to find that pic either on my hard drive or on the 'net. The search continues....

The grey lines in the photo above are the det cord. Check out the pdf above and it shots after-shots of the det cord test and the exact det cord layout.

I found a good shot of the X-35 showing it's more conventional zig-zag det cord pattern.

2 graphics from the PDF noted above: http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-d ... tudies.pdf

Nice shot Spud thanks for sharing that!

F-35B Canopies:

http://www.jsf.mil/images/gallery/sdd/f ... tb_060.jpg
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http://www.jsf.mil/images/gallery/sdd/f ... tb_059.jpg
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http://www.jsf.mil/images/gallery/sdd/f ... tb_006.jpg

http://www.jsf.mil/images/gallery/sdd/f ... ta_024.jpg

Wham Fan Thank You Maam: (det cord arrangement etc.) from new F-35 website: http://www.f35.com/

http://wpc.3c08.edgecastcdn.net/003C08/ ... ing-02.jpg

I noticed in the picture that the seat has a different top. Will this updated seat be used in the future?

Forum: General F-35 Forum

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