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LM F-35B passes STOVL propulsion ground test |
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Friday, 30 May 2008 |
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Lockheed Martin successfully completed the first ground test on the propulsion system for its F-35B Lighting II stealth fighter aircraft.
The shaft-driven lift fan propulsion system that will provide Lockheed Martin's F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter with the ability to perform short takeoffs and vertical landings (STOVL) was successfully operated for the first time last week.
The aerospace technology company announced that first ground testing occurred on Sunday May 25th, with the system generating 40,000 pounds of lifting force at full power, 170 per cent more than current-generation STOVL aircraft.
Bobby Williams, Lockheed Martin vice president and F-35 deputy programme manager, said: "The F-35B's STOVL propulsion system operated exactly as expected, providing the power output that our models forecast and transitioning very smoothly from conventional to STOVL mode and back."
He went on to note that the F-35B is scheduled to begin STOVL-mode flights in early 2009. The STOVL propulsion system consists of a Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan engine and a counter-rotating lift fan built by Rolls-Royce.
This week, Lockheed Martin delivered the first of four C-130J 'Super Hercules' aircraft to Norway, following the completion of production and painting. The C-130J is the first aircraft to be ordered under the US Foreign Military Sale programme. The remaining three aircraft will be delivered by 2010.
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