Forum: General F-35 Forum

First night takeoff and flight for F-35C

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CF-02

Da Big Pic: http://www.navair.navy.mil/img/uploads/ ... 59_001.jpg

Photo Release: First night takeoff for the F-35C 15 June 2012

http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fu ... mp;id=5028

"NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Marine Corps test pilot Lt. Col. Matt Taylor ascends in F-35C test aircraft CF-2 June 13. The flight was the first night takeoff for the carrier variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and evaluated the aircraft’s night lighting system. The F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches and deck landing impacts associated with the demanding aircraft carrier environment. The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)"

I heard that since there's no wind over the deck on these shore shots, they replace the F-135 with an Atlas Booster Rocket, as can be seen in the photo. Landings can be a little rough. Beer

That's where training for the Space Shuttle pays off.

Gotta' love the fire! Applause

Second only to the noise In Love

TEG

Lt. Col. Matt Taylor flies F-35C test aircraft CF-02 during Flight 109 and performs the first night flight of the carrier variant on June 13th, 2012 from NAS Patuxent River.

Asif wrote:

Lt. Col. Matt Taylor flies F-35C test aircraft CF-02 during Flight 109 and performs the first night flight of the carrier variant on June 13th, 2012 from NAS Patuxent River.

Check out those shock diamonds! Epic stuff!

And now for something completely different... Da Video...

First F-35C Night Flight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... DtINLhwWYM

Published on Jun 18, 2012 by LockheedMartinVideos
F-35C test aircraft CF-2 flies the carrier variant's first night flight on June 13, 2012 from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md."