F-35B jet fighter undergoes preparation for sea duty

Posted by John McHalePATUXENT RIVER, Md., 29 April 2011. U.S. Navy officials completed more testing of the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) before it moves to the USS Wasp (LHD-1). 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 in a hangar at the Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Md. Padeyes are used on ships to secure equipment to the deck during various sea states. The team observed no points of interference and identified ways to optimize aircraft jacking techniques. The F-35B and F-35C Lightning II JSF variants are undergoing test and evaluation at Naval Air Station Patuxent River prior to eventual delivery to the fleet.