F-35B: Vertical Takeoff & Landing Videos

  • Thread starter Thread starter Astronuc
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Vertical Videos
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around videos showcasing the F-35B, a variant of the Joint Strike Fighter with vertical take-off and landing capabilities. Participants explore various aspects of the aircraft's technology, particularly focusing on fly-by-wire systems, comparisons to historical aircraft, and the implications of its design and functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express excitement about the F-35B's capabilities, highlighting the impressive video footage shared.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the oscillation of the rear duct in one of the videos, with participants questioning whether it indicates a stabilization response or a mechanical oversight.
  • Discussion on fly-by-wire technology is initiated, with participants explaining that it involves electronic control of aircraft surfaces rather than direct mechanical linkage.
  • Some participants argue that the F-35B's design may be derived from older Russian technology, specifically referencing the Yak-141, and question the novelty of the JSF.
  • Clarifications are provided about the nature of fly-by-wire systems, emphasizing that while the pilot remains in control, the system automates the movement of control surfaces based on the pilot's inputs.
  • Participants share links to additional videos and resources related to the F-35B and its predecessors, contributing to the exploration of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the novelty of the F-35B's design, with some participants asserting it is a significant advancement while others claim it is based on older technology. The discussion on fly-by-wire technology also reveals varying levels of understanding among participants, leading to further clarification and debate.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of familiarity with technical concepts, particularly regarding fly-by-wire systems, which may lead to misunderstandings or differing interpretations of the technology's implications.

Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
2025 Award
Messages
22,581
Reaction score
7,536
This was sent to me -

This week we have three videos, all showing the F-35B, the Marine version with vertical take-off and landing capability.

This one shows how the lift fans operate. "JSF X-35B Tests Lift-Fan Propulsion System" (11.38 MB - ".mov").
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/7136.mov

This shows the F-35B moving from horizontal flight to vertical landing. "JSF X-35B Transition to Vertical Landing" (4.46 MB - ".mov")
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/7139.mov

This shows the F-35B taking off and landing vertically. "F-35,JSF" (2.32 MB - ".mov")
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/534.mov
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
Jeez, Astro... I want to trade mailing lists with you. All that anybody sends me is real estate fliers and credit card applications.

I couldn't help noticing in that last clip that the rear duct is oscillating laterally. Is that a stabilization response, or did someone forget a lock washer in the shop?
 
Damn work firewall...
 
Let me just say that the F-35 is freakin' awesome. First video footage I've seen of it--thanks Astro.
 
great footage... but why doesn't someone send similar stuff to my email account...
 
Danger said:
I couldn't help noticing in that last clip that the rear duct is oscillating laterally. Is that a stabilization response, or did someone forget a lock washer in the shop?
I'd say a good example of fly by wire output :smile:
Normal control surfaces won't work.

Think of balancing on a stick.
 
NoTime said:
Think of balancing on a stick.
I quit thinking about stuff like that when I moved in with W. :-p
 
I couldn't help noticing in that last clip that the rear duct is oscillating laterally. Is that a stabilization response, or did someone forget a lock washer in the shop?

Geeze; don't you know anything about airplanes?:rolleyes: That means it's happy!:approve:
 
:smile: :smile: :smile:
 
  • #10
Just be sure to wear asbestos gloves if you want to scratch its belly.
 
  • #11
Dammit... is everybody after my badge now?


:biggrin:
 
  • #12
Looks like we ripped off 16+ year old russian technology.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yak-141

yak141_3.jpg


Video:http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5595724743736826361&q=yak+41
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
You all keep talking of the fly by wire technology... could someone explain or outline just what you mean by it... I'm having difficulty understanding your conversations...
 
  • #14
Fly-By-Wire just means that when the pilot moves a controll (the throttle or stick), he isn't directly moving the controll surfaces of the aircraft (the flaps, rudder, aelarons, etc.). He's just telling a computer what he wants the aircraft to do, and the computer makes the necessary adjustments to the controll surfaces, through electric servomotors. Without the computer making tiny adjustments about 40 times per second, most of today's jet fighters would be impossible to fly.
 
  • #15
Oh alright, so it just means that the aircraft maneuvres are automated... and then where does this fly by wire term originate from
 
  • #16
It originated from the fact that there is no mechanical linkage between the controls and the control surfaces. The only thing connecting them is the computer and wiring that goes to the actuators.
 
  • #17
Hi banerjeerupak,
banerjeerupak said:
Oh alright, so it just means that the aircraft maneuvres are automated... and then where does this fly by wire term originate from
It does not necessarily mean that the manuevers are automated, because the pilot is still "in the loop" as we say. The pilot is still closing the aircraft control loop in his head.

Automated control would be characterized by the computer itself (through autopilot control laws) closing the aircraft control loop. But a fly-by-wire (FBW)aircraft can still be flown manually (via stick and throttle).

Fred's response hopefully gives you more insight as to what FBW means. But let me give you another visualization to see if that would help:

Before FBW systems with computers and wires came into fashion, one could say that aircraft were controlled with "Fly By Cable" (FBC) systems. Mechanical cables transmitted the motion of the control stick and throttle to the surface actuators and the fuel metering valve. Now instead of mechanical cables, we have electronic position sensors on the stick and throttle that sense its position and encodes it into an electrical signal that goes to the flight control computer. The flight control computer then runs the software (called "control laws") that transform the pilot's inputs into electrical commands that are sent to the actuators and fuel metering valve.

Hope that helps,
Rainman
 
  • #18
A video in english

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?p=yak+141&toggle=1&ei=UTF-8&b=0&oid=1c87030bf3daab2a&rurl=www.planestv.com&vdone=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fvideo%3Fp%3Dyak%2B141%26toggle%3D1%26ei%3DUTF-8

Also carrier landing:

http://www.youtube.com/p.swf?video_id=HHFsMVOEhF4&eurl=http%3A//video.yahoo.com/video/play%3Fp%3Dyak%2B141%26toggle%3D1%26ei%3DUTF-8%26b%3D2%26oid%3D7d83533080f64e84%26rurl%3Dwww.yout&iurl=http%3A//sjl-static5.sjl.youtube.com/vi/HHFsMVOEhF4/2.jpg&t=OEgsToPDskL55PDJhfS3PN1AMUqDmGfh

I don't see what all the hype is for, the JSF is nothing new, nor novel for that matter. According to the wiki link, Lockheed just paid Yakovlev for the designs. They started the 141 back in 1975 and have put lots of money, time, and research into the thing. It's no wonder Lockheed won out to boeing.

The plane even looks identical in every respect, only modernized.

The yak-141 was 25 years ahead of its time.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #20
cyrusabdollahi said:
Looks like we ripped off 16+ year old russian technology.

Nope, it all came from li'l ol' England. I know 'cos I was there at Rolls Royce.

This was the first version of RR's VTOL testing. Strange that the best set of pictures of it has text in Russian :-)

http://flatrock.org.nz/topics/flying/flying_bedstead.htm
http://vtol.boom.ru/vtol/TMR/index.html

I've seen BAE Harriers hundreds of times but there is still something very unnerving about seeing one fly a fast circuit and a landing approach, then just slow down and stop in mid air. Watching trainee pilots learning how to fly them backwards and sideways is also fun.

http://www.vflintham.demon.co.uk/aircraft/harrier/harrier.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #21
great examples of fly by wire. I'm getting a hang of the concept. it is where the decisions are taken by the pilot but he is not responsible for moving every part of the wing but only is required to instruct the plane according to how he wants to make it move...
 
  • #22
AlephZero said:
Nope, it all came from li'l ol' England. I know 'cos I was there at Rolls Royce.

This was the first version of RR's VTOL testing. Strange that the best set of pictures of it has text in Russian :-)

http://flatrock.org.nz/topics/flying/flying_bedstead.htm
http://vtol.boom.ru/vtol/TMR/index.html

I've seen BAE Harriers hundreds of times but there is still something very unnerving about seeing one fly a fast circuit and a landing approach, then just slow down and stop in mid air. Watching trainee pilots learning how to fly them backwards and sideways is also fun.

http://www.vflintham.demon.co.uk/aircraft/harrier/harrier.htm

No, that's not what I was getting at. The JSF is bought technology from the Russians. Ok, maybe not bought, 'partnership'. :wink:
 
Last edited by a moderator: