美 해군 조종사, F-35C 초도비행 실시

 

美 해군 조종사가 2월 11일 美 동부 Maryland 州 Patuxent River 해군항공기지에서 F-35C, CF-01 기에 대한

초도비행을 성공적으로 실시했다는 소식 입니다.

 

그동안 F-35 JSF 의 제작사인 Lockheed Martin 소속 시험비행사들이 시험비행을 실시해 온 가운데, 소요군

입장에서 F-35C 형에 대한 美 해군 조종사의 비행은 이번에 처음으로 실시된 것 입니다.

 

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Navy Test Pilot Completes First F-35C Flight

 

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – On Feb. 11, the carrier variant of the F-35 (CF-1) flew for the first time with a Navy test pilot at the controls.

 

Taking off at 2:06 pm, Lt Cmdr. Eric “Magic” Buus flew the F-35C for 2.1 hours. Buus’ first flight in CF-1 checked the function of the flutter excitation system, which will help measure structural loads of the airframe during various flight maneuvers.

 

“The aircraft flew great for more than two hours with no issues. It’s a really smooth, solid flying airplane and a joy to fly,” said Buus. “This flight was a great milestone for me, personally, and more importantly, for the Services during the 100 year anniversary of Naval Aviation. This airplane is going to give us a great leap in capability, and I’m looking forward to putting it through the demanding carrier suitability tests required to ensure it’s ready for the Fleet,” he said.

 

The F-35C is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control in the demanding carrier take-off and landing environment.

 

“Magic's flight today is a tremendous accomplishment for him and the test team, and a historic event for Naval aviation,” said Capt. Thomas Huff, commodore of Naval Test Wing Atlantic. “The determination and thoroughness of test professionals across all our programs is shaped by the education and training they receive at the United States Naval Test Pilot School and Test and Evaluation University, ensuring delivery of warfighting capability to Sailors and Marines,” said Huff.

 

Coincidentally timed with the kickoff of the Centennial of Naval Aviation in San Diego, Calif., this milestone represents the Navy’s first hands-on experience in its future fighter aircraft with stealth capabilities.

 

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program is in the system development and demonstration phase, focusing on delivering three different, new aircraft variants to the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. The integrated test force at NAS Patuxent River is focused on testing and evaluation of the F-35B and F-35C.

 

 

  ⓒ Lockheed Martin

 

 ⓒ Lockheed Martin

 

  ⓒ Lockheed Martin