F-35B Lightning II - Not part of the Air Show
Sep 2, 2023 14:43:11 #
kmpankopf
Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania
Retired CPO wrote:
These are some great shots! I'm not familiar with the F-35. Is that a speed brake behind the cockpit in #2&3?
The F-35B is different from other models in that it is a STOL (Short Take Off and landing) variant. The 'scoop' behind the cockpit is not necessarily a speed brake, but an additional opening for air to be used more for lift than for thrust. In the photos, the 'out of focus' portion is exhaust thrust being vectored more for lift. In a number of shows, such as the MCAS Beaufort, the aircraft will come to a full hover. In this case, the aircraft kept its forward motion for landing. For a full hover, the ramp/runway would have to be re-enforced. Willow Run is not made for this. MCAS Beaufort is.
Thanks for the question - it is a good one.
Sep 2, 2023 15:03:23 #
Sep 2, 2023 15:12:17 #
kmpankopf wrote:
The F-35B is different from other models in that i... (show quote)
Thanks for the answer! These new military aircraft are incredible. I spent 20 plus years in the Navy trying to help keep planes in the air. But my tech period stretched from F-4 Phantoms to F-14's. I've been left in the dust!!
Sep 2, 2023 18:19:42 #
Humor in the press: I read one account of the crash, and the reporter stated that "thick clouds of billowing smoke could be seen from the ground." Really, ya think so, Dinoso? All the way from the ground? Anyway, glad the crew and those on the ground were okay. Airplanes can be replaced, people not so easily.
Sep 2, 2023 19:16:01 #
kmpankopf
Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania
Tinker, extra points for the NCIS reference. <Head Slap>
From where we were, the crash site was too far for photography. Our little group watched the aircraft descend below a rise. I didn't see the aircrew eject - again maybe too far. Some in our group said they heard the two ejection sounds. I didn't. I'll be posting other MiG23 from the show shortly. Was not sure about posting the ground explosion shots, but since no one lost their lives I might. There are plenty online.
From where we were, the crash site was too far for photography. Our little group watched the aircraft descend below a rise. I didn't see the aircrew eject - again maybe too far. Some in our group said they heard the two ejection sounds. I didn't. I'll be posting other MiG23 from the show shortly. Was not sure about posting the ground explosion shots, but since no one lost their lives I might. There are plenty online.
Sep 3, 2023 00:54:59 #
Sep 3, 2023 13:10:17 #
kmpankopf wrote:
At the Thunder over Michigan Show, there were a fe... (show quote)
It’s real power in Good Hands, KMPankopf!
Sep 5, 2023 13:59:59 #
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