Forum: F-35 milestones

From NAVAIR:

F-35C test aircraft CF-3 used an intentionally degraded catapult to check the aircraft’s response to steam ingestion.

“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 [N.J.] away from home, and just did a tremendous job.”

“[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.”

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So no info on the tailhook issue?

SpudmanWP wrote:

So no info on the tailhook issue?

Nothing was mentioned, and it also did not say specifically if they were using arresting gear for these series of tests.

Last edited by spazsinbad on Oct 29, 2011 - 03:06 AM; edited 1 time in total

Tailhook issue has been mentioned twice now but no supporting details other than:

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_forum_viewtopi ... rt-90.html
"...Testing of the F-35C, Stevens said, had showed the need to redesign the arresting hook system used for carrier landings.""
&
http://www.f-16.net/index.php?name=PNph ... ook#206609
"Stevens acknowledges that a design review is ongoing to explore a new approach to the arrested landing hook for the F-35C carrier version, which has not performed well during tests...."
&
"...Catapult testing will continue at Lakehurst and Patuxent River to include launches at varying weights and stores, and with increased mission system functionality...."
____________

BigPic: http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fu ... mp;id=4807

"...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...."

Mil power takeoffs. I wonder if that will be the fleet protocol?

Perhaps and also 'variable afterburner' for high weight catapults.

Of cranes and catapults 27 October 2011 | By David Downs

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/blog/of-cr ... 11.article

"...Away from the massive progress being made with shipbuilding, work is progressing with the programme to convert the second of class HMS Prince of Wales to fit Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) for the operation of the F35C fast jet aircraft. The steering group had a very useful trip out to the USA where we visited the Lakehurst facility for a meeting with NAVAIR and General Atomics. We were also able to see an EMALS catapult installed into the runway and adjacent buildings where initial shore based testing of the catapult with aircraft is carried out. The technology and the power and acceleration of the catapult take your breath away, the armature of the electromagnetic catapult accelerating from stationary to 180 knots in just 3 seconds and then being electro-magnetically braked to a stop in just 24 feet.

While at Lakehurst we also saw the advanced arrestor gear installed on the test track, although it was currently out of commission while work was carried out on it, and an F35C aircraft that was to be test launched using a steam catapult installed alongside the electro-magnetic one. We also had the opportunity to visit the HII shipyard at Newport News and see the latest US aircraft carrier the Gerald Ford [CVN 78] under construction. This is the first of a new generation of US carriers and will be the first to be fitted with electro-magnetic catapults and advanced arrestor gear...."

[quote="spazsinbad....... This is the first of a new generation of US carriers and will be the first to be fitted with electro-magnetic catapults and advanced arrestor gear...."[/quote]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Abraha ... n_(CVN-72)

...In addition to the refueling of its two A4W nuclear reactors, Abraham Lincoln's upcoming RCOH will include the installation of the newly developed Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system. Developed by General Atomics, the AAG system will replace the Lincoln's current Mark-7 arresting gear’s hydraulic machinery with an electric motor-based system. The new system offers greater operational flexibility, reliability, and safety with reduced manning and maintenance costs. The AAG system is standard equipment for the upcoming Ford-class supercarriers. Abraham Lincoln is the first Nimitz-class supercarrier to have the AAG system retro-fitted with other Nimitz-class carriers also to be so retro-fitted during their upcoming RCOH yard period............... Smile

Aaahhh but... will the LINCOLN have EMALS also? The quote was suggesting first carrier with both AAG & EMALS was for FORD?

spazsinbad wrote:

Aaahhh but... will the LINCOLN have EMALS also? The quote was suggesting first carrier with both AAG & EMALS was for FORD?

The Ford Class will receive both the EMALS and AAG. While only the latter will be retrofitted to early Nimtz Class CVN's during scheduled refits.

Sorry...NOT! Devil

; both?, they have ordered "one" set of AAG for the Linc. JPALS should allow us to pick a wire, HAH! Laughing

As for the emal, engineering costs will demand similarities if not identical to the Ford (we'll have to wait!). Shrug

The existing steam cats are working but not in the long future. Which RCOH gets the first Nimitz emal retro-fit, pick a number and bet a beer?? Guiness

The Ford emal will launch F-18E/F/G & E-2D/ COD, etc. I would bet a beer that JPO will not emal test launch a "Sea" until after IOC! separate program priorities/ synergies Wink

Forum: F-35 milestones

F-35C completes initial catapult testing