NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The F-35B moved another
step forward to shipboard testing on board USS Wasp (LHD-1) this year,
as F-35 integrated test force personnel used weights to simulate
shipboard padeyes during an evaluation of chain down procedures on F-35B
test aircraft BF-1. The team observed no points of interference and
identified ways to optimize aircraft jacking techniques. Padeyes are
used on ships to secure equipment to the deck during various sea states.
The F-35B and F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter variants are
undergoing test and evaluation at Naval Air Station Patuxent River prior
to eventual delivery to the fleet. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin.
