EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California Lockheed Martin F-35A conventional take off and landing (CTOL ) variant has successfully complet...
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California
Lockheed Martin F-35A conventional take off and landing (CTOL ) variant has successfully completed its high angle of attack (AOA) testing recently.
The testing accomplished high AOA beyond both the positive and negative maximum command limits, including intentionally putting the aircraft out of control in several configurations. This included initially flying in the stealth clean wing configuration.
High angle of attack increases the airplane's maneuvering abilities, which is crucial for dog fighting.
It was followed by testing with external air-to-air pylons and missiles and then with open weapon bay doors. The F-35A began edge-of-the-envelope high AOA testing in the fall 2012.
For all testing, recovery from out of control flight has been 100 percent successful without the use of the spin recovery chute, which is carried to maximize safety.
In November 2012 F-35A achieved its highest angle of attack (AOA) of 50 degree.
The testing accomplished high AOA beyond both the positive and negative maximum command limits, including intentionally putting the aircraft out of control in several configurations. This included initially flying in the stealth clean wing configuration.
High angle of attack increases the airplane's maneuvering abilities, which is crucial for dog fighting.
It was followed by testing with external air-to-air pylons and missiles and then with open weapon bay doors. The F-35A began edge-of-the-envelope high AOA testing in the fall 2012.
For all testing, recovery from out of control flight has been 100 percent successful without the use of the spin recovery chute, which is carried to maximize safety.
In November 2012 F-35A achieved its highest angle of attack (AOA) of 50 degree.
