F-35 Lightning II completes vertical landing

Came accross this video at www.gizmag.com...

Apparently this was the first succseeful vertical descent less than a week ago. Thought someone would be interested here....

Looks kinda like a UFO from certain angles....

[edit on 21/3/2010 by Neo Christian Mystic]

Fantastic aircraft. I want one. Thanks for finding this video and sharing!

I do not like single engine jet aircraft. What happens during a flameout of one engine? Not good.

I like this plane a lot, and it seems very stable in the video.

It seems I can finally ditch my old Harrier Jump-jet and get me some new wings.

[edit on 21-3-2010 by Grey Magic]

A few more videoclips. The first one includes test pilot's comments, the other includes some more hovering and a short distance take-off:






[edit on 21/3/2010 by Neo Christian Mystic]

I like the F-35 as much as the next guy...but its costs have spiraled out of control, and is now almost the same price as a F-22 Raptor.
The Raptor is a far superior aircraft, I'm a little surprised at this stage that the AF doesn't pull out of this and just re-start the F-22 lines up again.
I understand why the Marines and Navy want it...but not the Air Force...

reply to post by Murcielago


Well the Norwegian airforce alone has plans to use 100 billion kroners (40-50 billion US$) to buy JSF's (in the F-35A "F-16" configuration). Latest news however, is that Denmark, which had plans of buying a bunch of the planes, is no longer interested apparently.

I heard they dont work so well against suicide bombers and IED's. Still looks pretty fancy, taken them long enough to replace the Harrier.

reply to post by woodwardjnr


Indeed, and if you ask me, the Sea Harrier is an awesome piece of engeneering! And a beautiful plane indeed. The Lightning looks a bit odd, but it's hovering capability makes up for it's rather funny look.

Originally posted by Neo Christian Mystic
reply to post by Murcielago

 

Well the Norwegian airforce alone has plans to use 100 billion kroners (40-50 billion US$)

The corect ammount would naturally be about 17 billion dollars....