http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Ki86x1WKPmE&feature=colike

well, if they actually work, vertical landings might be easier in bad weather/pitching deck. And no catapult would save money.

If they work consistently...

each F35 probably costs more then the original USS Wasp.

I'm not sure, but use of a catapult would allow them to take off at a higher gross weight and/or save fuel, versus going pure vertical.

Maybe JorgeI can weigh in on this one.

Still a neat plane.

I bet the F-35 will never ever take the abuse or deliver the crap a A-10 can take or deliver.

Problem is, VTOL sucks a chit-load of fuel, both takeoff or landing.

I did notice that F-35 was naked. I wonder what it can do fully loaded.

Jorge is away from civilization researching the effects of trout fishing and single malt on human behavior. He'll be back in civilization next week. I do know he thinks the JSF is a POS, but don't let me put words in his mouth....:)

No problem! Just cut the Food Stamp program by 50%...which will get 25 million citizens off their azzes and back to work and stop paying $$$$ for 'crack babies' and we can have a fleet of the F-35s!!

This.


kwg

I believe F-35 weapons are stored internally in the same manner as the F-22, no external wing mounted bombs or missiles. Aids with the stealth aspect of the aircraft. Not saying the thing has a full load in the video, just if it did you wouldn't see it.

The F-35 can be used in a stealth mode with everything stored internally on day one, and as a bombtruck with external mounts after we've achieved air superiority.

You were half right.

Thanks to you both.

Impressive video.

Let's remember there are 3 main versions of the F-35.
The F-35A is the USAF model.
The F-35B is the STOVL (this video....shorter range due to 30% reduction in fuel capacity)
The F-35C is the NavAir catch and release model.

One big issue is that the engine is so large that normal underway replenishment isn't feasible. Power plants has an extra step or two involved.