![]() Another value add of the helmet is the integrated NVGs (Night Vision Googles). Dealing with the helmet, features images, generated by two projectors and then displayed on the inner visor, that can include DAS imagery, flight critical info (like speed, direction and altitude), tactical info (like targets, friendly aircrafts, navigation waypoints) and night vision. We don’t get a chance to have a look into the cockpit, but we know it’s a glass cockpit that only has about 20 switches. We have heard a lot about it, but I find it interesting to learn that it is “not used a ton tactically, although it’s a cool feature”. Next is a look at the engine, capable of 40,000 lbs of thrust: “for the demo I typically take off at a reduced fuel load, so about 40,000 gross weight or less, so we are quickly to the 1:1 thrust to weight ratio that people talk about”.Īt 06:00 we learn another interesting detail: F-16 travel pods are used by the F-35 demo team to carry all the things they need (from luggage, to backpacks to swag to be sold at airshows) and these travel pods fit, one in each weapons bay, inside the Lightning II, where the GBU-31, 2,000-lb bombs are attached.Īt around 06:50 we are reminded about the internal gun and its 181 rounds (25 mm, bigger than many jets, not as big as the 30 mm ones of the A-10), that can be fired in a 3-sec strafe.Īt 08:00 we hear something interesting about the DAS, the Distributed Aperture System, a network of six cameras around the aircraft that provide 360 degree field of view to the pilot, giving him also the ability to see through the aircraft structure (and own body), thanks to the imagery projected onto the helmet’s visor. At 03:45 we get some details about the endurance of the aircraft that can fly 1.5 – 2 hour missions without Air-to-Air Refueling. There’s also a laser incorporated in the system, that allows to use LGBs (Laser Guided Bombs) like GBU-12s and GBU-49s on moving targets. The walkaround starts with “Beo” talking about the EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System) with its T-FLIR (Targeting Forward Looking Infra-Red), that provides, through the IR, a black and white display in the cockpit that shows hot things really dark, so that the pilot can see hot moving vehicles, buildings, people, etc. Here are some details worth a comment that I’ve noticed in the footage, filmed once again by our friend Erik Johnston. As such, she was aboard the F-35 that, on May 29, 2020, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, flew the first-ever Lightning II demonstration that was broadcast live around the world on social media.Īs you may understand, she’s one of the most qualified F-35 pilot around to guide you through a walkaround tour of the U.S. ![]() Air Force Captain Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, the F-35A Demo Team Pilot for the 20 air demonstration season, does not need any introduction: she is the first female F-35A Demo pilot and only the second USAF F-35A Demo Team Pilot in history. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe introduces you to the Lightning II stealth aircraft. ![]() Kristin "Beo" Wolfe in front of an F-35A of the 388th Fighter Wing during the walkaround.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |