Screenshot:
A US Marine Corps test pilot made the first nighttime vertical landing of an F-35B aboard the USS WASP last week. When seen through a night vision lens, the F-35B looked just like what you might expect of a Hollywood-style UFO. (VIDEO)
This successful test is just one of many stepping stones on the way to actual deployment, but it's an awesome glimpse into the future, even without the crazy night-vision effects.
Lockheed Martin officials said Lt. Col. Russell Clift performed the maneuver Aug. 14 during Ship Suitability Sea Trials, also known as Developmental Test Phase Two.
The tests were performed on the Marine variant of the F-35, which will also be used by the United Kingdom and Italy.
The two F-35Bs participating in the trials have completed 40 short takeoffs and 41 vertical landings. Lockheed said at the end of the operations the Navy and Marine Corps will have enough data to begin the process of incorporating the aircraft into shipboard operations.
Lockheed said it expects the F-35Bs to reach initial operating capability in 2015.
The government expects to spend about a trillion dollars on the F-35 program in general over the next 50 years.
No comments:
Post a Comment