The proving ground: Marine pilots put the F-35 through its paces

PATUXENT RIVER, MD, UNITED STATES

05.24.2017

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Jimmy Bention 

Defense Media Activity - Marines

F-35 Lightning II testing continued at Pax River Integrated Test Force, Naval Air Station Paxutent River, May 24, 2017.

Test pilots at the station are putting the F-35 through various tests to help improve its fighting capabilities. These examinations will provide information on its fighting capabilities, weapon capacity and flight performance.

“As we continue to do follow-on modernization we are going to continue to learn about this airplane and make it better,” said Marine Corps Maj. Jon Dirk, F-35 test pilot Patuxent River, F-35 Integrated test Force, Air Test Evaluation Squadron 23.

Several “flight sciences” planes are used during the testing. These models have specific instrumentation that monitor how the F-35 is working during its flight. These devices will measure anything from: engine performance, airflow and how many thousands of pounds of pressure the wing is taking at a seven g-force turn.

“We’re seeking to not only validate the way the airplane works, but actually feed-back information into the design process,” said Dirk.

This information is used not only in development but will be used throughout its projected service life cycle.

• Date Taken: 05.24.2017
• Date Posted: 05.25.2017 14:01
• Story ID: 235299
• Location: PATUXENT RIVER, MD, US