Technology: December 2011 Archives

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to fly a cockpit demonstrator for the new F-35 Lightning II aircraft, a multi-mission fighter designed to serve the needs of the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, replacing the aging fleet of A-10, F-16, F-18, and AV-8B jets. Development has had numerous challenges, and cancellation has been discussed, but the F-35 appears to be back on track.

Here's video from Lockheed Martin of ship suitability testing for the F-35B, the short-takeoff, vertical landing version of the new Lightning II aircraft, aboard the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship, in October 2011. The two test aircraft completed a total of 72 successful short takeoffs and 72 successful vertical landings -- no catapult needed to launch, no arrestor wire needed to land. The tests occurred on schedule. More at the official F-35 website.