JSF Makes New Test Flight

SUBMAN1 · 12-14-07, 01:29 PM

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi...dele=jdc_inter

(Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence; issued Dec. 8, 2007)

(Issued in Dutch only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

During its twentieth test flight, the first F-35 Lightning II successfully tested its engine and flying characteristics yesterday, at an altitude of 20,000 feet. Immediately afterwards, a specially-designed test airplane (CATBird) resumed flight tests of the communications, navigation and identification system developed for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

The next important step for the F-35 flight test program is in-flight refueling. The coming year will be dominated by supersonic flights.

Lockheed Martin is now putting the last touches to the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) version which will roll out this month from the factory, and begin its flight tests in spring of 2008. At the end of 2008, there will be at least three F-35s flying, and many more on the assembly line.

According to chief test pilot John Beesley, who carried out yesterday’s flight of, the Lightning II now includes a long list improvements which will make it more effective and more reliable than anything that has come before it. He added that the technology is extremely advanced in this first F-35.

12-14-07, 01:29 PM	#1
SUBMAN1 Rear Admiral Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 11,866 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	JSF Makes New Test Flight http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi...dele=jdc_inter (Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence; issued Dec. 8, 2007) (Issued in Dutch only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com) During its twentieth test flight, the first F-35 Lightning II successfully tested its engine and flying characteristics yesterday, at an altitude of 20,000 feet. Immediately afterwards, a specially-designed test airplane (CATBird) resumed flight tests of the communications, navigation and identification system developed for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The next important step for the F-35 flight test program is in-flight refueling. The coming year will be dominated by supersonic flights. Lockheed Martin is now putting the last touches to the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) version which will roll out this month from the factory, and begin its flight tests in spring of 2008. At the end of 2008, there will be at least three F-35s flying, and many more on the assembly line. According to chief test pilot John Beesley, who carried out yesterday’s flight of, the Lightning II now includes a long list improvements which will make it more effective and more reliable than anything that has come before it. He added that the technology is extremely advanced in this first F-35. __________________