F-35C Sinks To Just Above Waves After Taking Low-Power CAT

[spazsinbad]

Code Brown As This F-35C Sinks To Just Above The Waves After Taking A Low-Power Catapult Shot
26 May 2020 TYLER ROGOWAY [TWO F-35C TEST CATAPULT VIDEOS AT URL]

"We have two angles to watch an F-35C claw its way into the air after enduring a minimum power catapult shot.

A pair of chilling videos have emerged on social media that show a U.S. Navy F-35C Joint Strike Fighter being launched off on an American supercarrier at what appears to be the minimum catapult power required for making it into the air successfully. In the first video, the stealth fighter careens down the catapult track at what seems like a bizarrely slow velocity before sinking totally below the rising bow of the ship. A moment later the jet appears again climbing away to safety. It is one heck of a tense clip to watch! The other video has a view from below the bow of the ship, showing the F-35C skimming above the waves before clawing its way into the air.

The videos were posted by RCAF_Pilot on Instagram, who notes that this was part of testing for the F-35C program, in which the minimum catapult energy for a safe launch was assessed. We have not confirmed this, but he notes in his post:

"Something you don’t see everyday...low energy catapult launch! That sink is scary, but it was a part of the test plan. The folks at PAX River needed to find the lowest amount of energy that the catapult needed in order to safely launch an F-35C...they definitely found it! Through a smart build up and mitigation the test professionals go where others don’t....

...Watch the waters part because of the engine exhaust!! Here’s the last video, low energy catapult testing, from the front of the ship camera view. You can tell from this angle that the aircraft got close to the water. Remember though, this was a part of the testing and the team had prepared for this moment...." [more at the URL]

...It is worth noting that the F-35 pilot never selects afterburner throughout the launch, which would also point to this being test, not a dreaded and unforeseen 'cold cat-shot' during other operations (see below for an example)...."

Photo: https://the-drive.imgix.net/https%3A%2F ... 9f4bf1f8d7

A-6E Cold Cat Launch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JETOXZXSXBM



Source: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3 ... apult-shot

[quicksilver]

Very cool find spaz.

But these hipsters can’t help themselves — ‘careens’ down the catapult track? Does he know what ‘careen’ means? And they ‘couldn’t confirm‘ that the video was really from flight test? Did they try? The author might call his contacts at Pax River — he’s been there before; or just call the Public Affairs office. It’s not that hard for credentialed press folks to verify this kinda stuff.

Obtw, minimum end speed test points are SOP for ship suitability testing. ‘Do they really do this?’ asks my wife. Yup, they do. ‘Isn’t that dangerous?’ Yup...but not as dangerous as it would be for a fleet guy if they never did the testing.

No video to go w it, but here’s someone’s thesis written on SH testing back in the day — https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcon ... k_gradthes

[spazsinbad]

Agree your comments, especially liked: "...We have not confirmed this...." RogerAway should read F-16.net eh.

I think roga meant 'careered' instead of 'careened'. careered = "move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way" STILL SILLY!

RodgerDodgerAway should have found this post here:

"...While embarked on the carrier, VX-23 completed all of its required DT-III test points during 41 flights logging 39.7 flight hours and featuring 121 catapult launches, 70 touch-and-go landings, one bolter and 121 arrested landings. Among standout test flights were validation of flying capabilities with a full load of inert internal and external stores, including up to four 500 lb GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and two AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles on the external hard-points. Meanwhile, different asymmetric loads were evaluated in handling tests. Maximum-weight launches were tested at minimum power and in a variety of wind and sea conditions...." viewtopic.php?f=57&t=52238&p=360324&hilit=catapult+minimum+test%2A#p360324
same here: viewtopic.php?f=57&t=28046&p=314601&hilit=catapult+minimum+test%2A#p314601

"...Some of the last test points being tested during DT-II were also some of the most hazardous to plane and pilot. For example, the aircraft was subjected to several minimum energy catapult shots utilizing both afterburner and mil power. “Today is a key test for us, because we’re doing what test pilots go to school for,” explains Rear Admiral John Haley, Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic. “Theoretically we know what the airplane is supposed to do because of all the work the flight test engineers have done. While it sounds pretty simple, it’s probably one of the things that creates the most pucker factor for a pilot because you’re exploring the bottom edge of the envelope – ‘speed is life, more is better’ – and now we’re purposely reducing the speed to validate the reality with the theoretical engineering data.”

Tom Briggs, F-35 Air Vehicle Lead Engineering Department Head for the Pax River ITF, explains the process: “We were shooting the aircraft off the front of the boat until we found a level of sink that was deemed unacceptable. We then add 15 knots worth and we give that data to the fleet. We anchor that test point, so that even with inevitable wind and weight variations, the fleet guys are good to go.”

By establishing the bottom of the flight envelope, “we were going where a fleet jet should theoretically never go,” adds Sewell. “Barring a failure or other event, a fleet jet should never get to where we were the past few days.”..." viewtopic.php?f=57&t=28046&p=305900&hilit=catapult+minimum+test%2A#p305900

more lahdedah: viewtopic.php?f=57&t=28046&p=302953&hilit=catapult+minimum+test%2A#p302953

where is 'maus92'?: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=14115&p=283709&hilit=catapult+minimum+test%2A#p283709

GoGetcha PDF/text here: viewtopic.php?f=57&t=26634&p=282114&hilit=catapult+minimum+test%2A#p282114

F-35CtestNIMITZnov2014 AirInternationalDec2014.pdf (1.2Mb) download/file.php?id=19793

"...The landings marked the start of a two-week Developmental Testing I (DT-I) phase for the F-35C that will evaluate primarily daylight carrier operations, including launch and recovery handling with a variety of crosswinds and wind-over-deck speeds. Catapult tests will evaluate the takeoff characteristics across a broad range of excess speed settings, varying from a minimum of around 5 kt. to a maximum of about 45 kt...." http://www.f-16.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=26634&p=281170&hilit=catapult+minimum+test%2A#p281170

[XanderCrews]

My DI taught us the military wasn't a place for... well words I can't say in polite company.


I love how Tyler is like the ultimate soyboy. "chilling" super scary guys!!

Naval Aviation be scary yo!

[XanderCrews]

Very cool find spaz.

But these hipsters can’t help themselves — ‘careens’ down the catapult track? Does he know what ‘careen’ means? And they ‘couldn’t confirm‘ that the video was really from flight test? Did they try? The author might call his contacts at Pax River — he’s been there before; or just call the Public Affairs office. It’s not that hard for credentialed press folks to verify this kinda stuff.

Obtw, minimum end speed test points are SOP for ship suitability testing. ‘Do they really do this?’ asks my wife. Yup, they do. ‘Isn’t that dangerous?’ Yup...but not as dangerous as it would be for a fleet guy if they never did the testing.

No video to go w it, but here’s someone’s thesis written on SH testing back in the day — https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcon ... k_gradthes

don't be silly, his main source is instagram. no time for things like official channels or sources.

[spazsinbad]

Get along li'l 'doge' gets it: F-35C Low Energy Catapult Launch Testing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq-juyXvIcE

[ricnunes]

Cool video Spaz, thanks for sharing!

Who would have thought (among 'reporters') that any resemblance between the words 'dangerous' and 'naval aviation' or even between 'dangerous' and 'military aviation' is purely coincidental...

[steve2267]

Who would have thought (among 'reporters') ...

Pardon me, but IMO implying that Rogoway is a reporter is like putting lipstick on a pig. The guy is a blogger, and a sensationalistic one at that. A little better than Axe and Solomon, maybe, but referring to him as a reporter is insulting to anyone who actually tries to apply themselves at that trade anymore.

[jessmo112]

:applause: Get along li'l 'doge' gets it: F-35C Low Energy Catapult Launch Testing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq-juyXvIcE

Hey spaz, you got shot off the end of a perfectly good ship before right? Did you ever have close calls like this?
Did you leave a stain in your flight suit?

[spazsinbad]

First rool of cat shots is never change your flying garments including socks so any stink stays with you whilst others get used to it and youse get used to their stink. So I never checked my derpants/uderbs for any wear and tear but certainly we all 'sucked back in the holdback' that first time after our first arrest (for the newbies) and then we would be sent back ashore still reeling from the OOOOMMPPPHHH! 100 feet in less that 2 seconds to around 130+ mph ground speed with an extra mainstim from the whopper walve in case we had any issues that first time.

This extra stim saved the first A4G catapult from MELBOURNE probably explained elsewhere when the radar unit came out on his lap during the stroke. Our esteemed pilot flew the aircraft with the trim buttons because the radar bits pinned the control column back not allowing movement nor ejection. Extra endspeed gave control rather than as some USN A-4s had it earlier speared in without apparent cause and without any radio calls or ejection attempts. There is a video of onesuch online. Problem caused by incorrect maintenance of radar unit not being screwed in correctly so that it could be more easily removed but when same aircraft went onboard to be catapulted them BLAAMMMOOOH! Very sad predicament.

A squadron chief on deck when e-mailing me some time ago insisted I had a 'wheels close to the oggin' catapult (when greenie swells swirling down the cat track) but I do not know that it was me. One concentrates on the horizon after saluting preparing to be punched in the chest that takes your breath away if you don't tense your chest. MELBOURNE flight deck is 35 feet above water while a CVN is about 65 feet IIRC or thereabouts. Swell/Wind can do wonders. In the Pacific the swell can be large but with a long interval between so that it is gentle depending upon conditions. The Catapult Officer usually the FDO or assistant FDO waved the flag down so that after a few seconds delay one goes down the track with the bow going UP. Sometimes that may be mistimed but I don't recall one for myself. Certainly a few times I recall the greenie tops of a swell (a few inches of water) swirling down the track but then I had other things to worry about.

HMAS Canberra At Sea - Smokin' [ski jump LHD] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNhjrC4uG2E


__________________________________________________

A-4 Catapult Jammed Controls by Radar? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwIKq35wptE


_________________________________________________

A4G Ops 1980 HMAS Melbourne [deck movement] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isq_bGdA0Z4


_________________________________________________

A4G Skyhawk HMAS Melbourne circa late 1970s AWM 4262086 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACgr_ay63cw

[sferrin]

Very cool find spaz.

But these hipsters can’t help themselves — ‘careens’ down the catapult track? Does he know what ‘careen’ means? And they ‘couldn’t confirm‘ that the video was really from flight test? Did they try? The author might call his contacts at Pax River — he’s been there before; or just call the Public Affairs office. It’s not that hard for credentialed press folks to verify this kinda stuff.

It's Tyler Rogoway. He got his start on Jalopnik (and it shows).

[sferrin]

:applause: Get along li'l 'doge' gets it: F-35C Low Energy Catapult Launch Testing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq-juyXvIcE

Doesn't look like it even needed to use it's afterburner.

[mixelflick]

God bless test pilots.

And the deck crew. How these guys don't routinely get blown overboard, sucked into an intake or worse - walk into a propeller, I don't know. And yeah I know it's happened, so no I don't need to see it. Walking into a propeller though... I can only imagine the cleanup. Yikes.

Most dangerous work environment in the world - bar none!

[sprstdlyscottsmn]

:applause: Get along li'l 'doge' gets it: F-35C Low Energy Catapult Launch Testing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq-juyXvIcE

Doesn't look like it even needed to use it's afterburner.

Like the F-14B/D, the F-35C will not use/need AB except for the heaviest loads (Super Tom actually could not use AB on a cat shot because if one engine failed it would uncontrollably yaw into the sea)

[jessmo112]

First rool of cat shots is never change your flying garments including socks so any stink stays with you whilst others get used to it and youse get used to their stink. So I never checked my derpants/uderbs for any wear and tear but certainly we all 'sucked back in the holdback' that first time after our first arrest (for the newbies) and then we would be sent back ashore still reeling from the OOOOMMPPPHHH! 100 feet in less that 2 seconds to around 130+ mph ground speed with an extra mainstim from the whopper walve in case we had any issues that first time.

This extra stim saved the first A4G catapult from MELBOURNE probably explained elsewhere when the radar unit came out on his lap during the stroke. Our esteemed pilot flew the aircraft with the trim buttons because the radar bits pinned the control column back not allowing movement nor ejection. Extra endspeed gave control rather than as some USN A-4s had it earlier speared in without apparent cause and without any radio calls or ejection attempts. There is a video of onesuch online. Problem caused by incorrect maintenance of radar unit not being screwed in correctly so that it could be more easily removed but when same aircraft went onboard to be catapulted them BLAAMMMOOOH! Very sad predicament.

A squadron chief on deck when e-mailing me some time ago insisted I had a 'wheels close to the oggin' catapult (when greenie swells swirling down the cat track) but I do not know that it was me. One concentrates on the horizon after saluting preparing to be punched in the chest that takes your breath away if you don't tense your chest. MELBOURNE flight deck is 35 feet above water while a CVN is about 65 feet IIRC or thereabouts. Swell/Wind can do wonders. In the Pacific the swell can be large but with a long interval between so that it is gentle depending upon conditions. The Catapult Officer usually the FDO or assistant FDO waved the flag down so that after a few seconds delay one goes down the track with the bow going UP. Sometimes that may be mistimed but I don't recall one for myself. Certainly a few times I recall the greenie tops of a swell (a few inches of water) swirling down the track but then I had other things to worry about.

HMAS Canberra At Sea - Smokin' [ski jump LHD] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNhjrC4uG2E


__________________________________________________

A-4 Catapult Jammed Controls by Radar? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwIKq35wptE


_________________________________________________

A4G Ops 1980 HMAS Melbourne [deck movement] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isq_bGdA0Z4


_________________________________________________

A4G Skyhawk HMAS Melbourne circa late 1970s AWM 4262086 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACgr_ay63cw

I dont know what kind of plane is in the last video with the props, but it looked like the front wheel was off the deck before the shot. I couldn't even imagine working out there. How do the shirts get in an out from under a plane that either sucks you in and spits you out or throws you in the sea!