Update, we now have seen proper VL demonstrated, this is a core requirement of the USMC and RAF.
VIDEO: F-35 test aircraft achieves first vertical landing
VIDEO: F-35 test aircraft achieves first vertical landing
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Typo on my part, I meant to say untidy. What with all those doors open, especially the huge one just behind the cockpit that serves the man lift fan. Before seeing the video I could not envisage a forward take off with that door open, the idea seemed unfeasible. A bit like driving a car at 60mph with the bonnet open![]()
that would be because the Yak 38 was strictly VTOL, therefore the door was not generating any drag at unstick. During transition the door was lowered as forward speed increased. On the F-35 it is fully open throughout take off.
You could also refer to the Mikoyan and Sukhoi STOL demonstrators of the 1960's though which had the same arrangement, but a look at any of these three shows the doors open at a much shallower angle that that shown on the F-35.
I just had visions of it being ripped off as the plane accelerated![]()
that would be because the Yak 38 was strictly VTOL, therefore the door was not generating any drag at unstick. During transition the door was lowered as forward speed increased. On the F-35 it is fully open throughout take off.
You could also refer to the Mikoyan and Sukhoi STOL demonstrators of the 1960's though which had the same arrangement, but a look at any of these three shows the doors open at a much shallower angle that that shown on the F-35.
I just had visions of it being ripped off as the plane accelerated![]()
Nice video, you can see the runway fittings being destroyed on liftoff.
Nice video, you can see the runway fittings being destroyed on liftoff.