F-35 JSF undergoing jet blast deflector testing

Posted by John McHale

LAKEHURST, N.J. 8 July 2011. The F-35CJoint Strike Fighter (JSF) Lightning II carrier variant aircraft CF-2 is undergoing jet blast deflector (JBD) tests at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The JBD, which is located behind the catapults on aircraft carriers, deflects high energy exhaust from jet engines to prevent damage and injury to other aircraft and personnel located nearby. JBD testing a part of the tests required for ensuring that the F-35C is compatible aboard aircraft carriers. Testing is continuing with varying distances between the aircraft and JBD, and at power settings up to and including maximum afterburner power.