The U.S. Navy variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the F-35C, conducts a test flight over the Chesapeake Bay. Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus flew the F-35C for two hours, checking instruments that will measure structural loads on the airframe during flight maneuvers. The F-35C is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control when operating in the demanding carrier take-off and landing environment. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy Lockheed Martin/Released)
All hands Video Report at Navy Test Pilot Flies F 35 Joint Strike Fighter
From Joint Strike Fighter ITF Public Affairs
PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- The carrier variant of the F-35 (CF-1) Joint Strike Fighter flew for the first time with a Navy test pilot at the controls Feb. 11.
Taking off at 2:06 p.m., Lt Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus flew the F-35C for approximately two hours. Buus' first flight in the CF-1 checked the function of the flutter excitation system, which will help measure structural loads of the airframe during various flight maneuvers.
"The aircraft flew great for more than two hours with no issues. It's a really smooth, solid flying airplane and a joy to fly," said Buus. "This flight was a great milestone for me, personally, and more importantly, for the services during the 100 year anniversary of naval aviation. This airplane is going to give us a great leap in capability, and I'm looking forward to putting it through the demanding carrier suitability tests required to ensure it's ready for the fleet."
The F-35C is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control in the demanding carrier take-off and landing environment.
"Magic's flight today is a tremendous accomplishment for him and the test team, and a historic event for naval aviation," said Capt. Thomas Huff, commodore of Naval Test Wing Atlantic. "The determination and thoroughness of test professionals across all our programs is shaped by the education and training they receive at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and Test and Evaluation University, ensuring delivery of warfighting capability to Sailors and Marines."
Coincidentally timed with the kickoff of the Centennial of Naval Aviation in San Diego, this milestone represents the Navy's first hands-on experience in its future fighter aircraft with stealth capabilities.
The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program is in the system design and development phase, focusing on delivering three different, new aircraft variants to the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. The integrated test force at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., is focused on testing and evaluation of the F-35B and F-35C.
Welcome to the Milcom Monitor Post sponsored by Teak Publishing (Copyright © 2006-2023 Teak Publishing). All rights are reserved. Redistribution of these pages in any format without prior permission is prohibited. Links to individual stories are permitted without permission. The comment section on this blog is closed, but you can pass along material or comments via email MilcomMP at gmail dot com. If you submit material for this blog and want to remain anonymous, indicate that in your message.
Milcom Monitoring Post Profiles
- Home
- What are Emergency Action Messages (EAM)? Updated 20 September 2021
- UFO Milsat Program
- Fleetsatcom System
- UHF 225-380 MHz Milcom Spectrum Holes: Updated 24 July 2019
- Civilian Air Cargo/Airline/Military Call Signs
- Intl HF Aero Civ/Gov/Mil Frequency List
- USN Aircraft Modex Numbers
- University of Twente Wide Band WebSDR Netherlands
- U.S. Military ALE Addresses
- DoD Air Refueling Frequencies - Update 15 Jul 2016
- COTHEN HF Network – Last Update 23 May 2023
- Monitoring the Civil Air Patrol Auxiliary Update 10 Sep 2016
- US Coast Guard Asset Guide - Update 24 May 2023
- The Spectrum Monitor e-Zine Milcom Column Index - Update 17 January 2022
- The Milcom MT Files (1998-2013) Articles Index