Processes are progressing in the F-35C Lightning II, the first fifth generation CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-off But Arrested Landing) aircraft.
A video about the F-35C Lightning II tests was shared on social media. In the images, the platform sunk dangerously after being released from the catapult shuttle. However, the aircraft climbed up without risking flight safety. Video shared with “Something you don’t see everyday…low energy catapult launch! That sink is scary, but it was a part of the test plan. The folks at PAX River needed to find the lowest amount of energy that the catapult needed in order to safely launch an F-35C…they definitely found it! Through a smart build up and mitigation the test professionals go where others don’t.” he heard … And they definitely found it! With a cleverly planned plan and a test activity that only professionals can carry out. ” description. Steam flow from the catapult system thought the idea that the tests were performed from a Nimitz or Theodore Roosevelt class carrier vessel.
There are 11 aircraft carriers in US Navy as Nimitz, Theodore Roosevelt and Gerald R. Ford classes. Pressurized steam based catapults in the first two classes in question have been replaced by the electromagnetic catapult system called EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) in Gerald R. Ford class platforms. The Navy has to determine the minimum, optimum and maximum energy required to launch all aircraft that take off and land with the CATOBAR technique. If the aircraft is launched with less energy than the required lower limit, it cannot reach the speed required for takeoff. Landing gear of the platforms may be damaged in case of high-load catapult launch. Determination of the optimum ratio is necessary for the use of catapult systems with the highest efficiency.
