Flightglobal.com has obtained the first air-to-air video of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter performing its second flight in which it retracted its landing gear. The aircraft also flew its third flight this week, with both exceeding the company's initial expectations.
The flights took place on 8 January and 10 January from the company's Fort Worth, Texas facility. F-35 chief test pilot Jon Beesley says the aircraft was "dazzling" as flew it over north Texas during handling and propulsion tests.
“The maturity of this highly integrated aircraft for its second flight is dazzling - when it’s time to fly it is always ready and takes minimal time to get out of the chocks,” he says.
Flight 02 was the first time Lockheed Martin retracted the landing gear and Beesley says the aircraft handling qualities were outstanding with the gear up (video below).
Approximately 10min into the flight, Beesley retracted the landing gear and climbed from 15,000ft (4,500m) to 20,000ft to evaluate handling qualities and engine operation in the cruise mode at Mach 0.6 (400kt/750km) and M0.7.
The handling tests included rolls, turns, angle-of-attack changes, and engine throttle changes and both flights lasted around 1h. The aircraft took its maiden flight on 15 December last year, which was shorter than originally planned.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
