Lockheed Martin X-35
| Lockheed Martin X-35 | |
|---|---|
 X-35A during a test flight over Edwards AFB |
|
| Type: | Prototype of a multi-role fighter |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: |
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics |
| First flight: |
October 24, 2000 |
| Commissioning: |
Flight tests ended in 2001 |
| Production time: |
Was never mass-produced |
| Number of pieces: |
2 |
The Lockheed Martin X-35 was a test vehicle as part of the “Joint Strike Fighter” program (abbreviated to JSF, German for “joint combat aircraft”). After the X-35 was able to prevail against the competing model from Boeing , the X-32 , it was further developed into the F-35 Lightning II .
JAST program
The requirements for the JSF arose from the so-called “Joint Advanced Strike Technology” program (abbreviated to JAST, German for “joint progressive combat technology”). The program, which was officially launched on January 24, 1994, actually began in 1993. The JAST program replaced the previous programs “Multi-Role-Fighter” and “A / FX”. It had no influence on the F-22 Raptor and F / A-18E / F Super Hornet machines, which were under development at that time . They began to lay down the requirements for the JSF. In addition to the various flight services that were to be provided, the weapon and sensor technology was also defined, and stealth properties were required. In order to reduce costs, it was decided early on that the JSF should be based on a strong single-engine design, as used in the F-16 , and against a light dual design, as is the case with the F-18 Hornet , the Eurofighter Typhoon or the French Rafale is used. On the basis of these requirements, Boeing , Lockheed Martin , McDonnell Douglas together with British Aerospace and Northrop initially submitted their first concepts. After Great Britain joined the program and, together with the USMC , requested a STOVL version to replace the Harrier , Northrop withdrew from the selection process because the financial risk was considered too great. On November 16, 1996, Boeing and Lockheed Martin were commissioned to develop two prototypes each. The construction contract was worth 750 mils. U.S-$. The McDonnell Douglas design was rejected as too complex.
JSF competition
The X-35 completed its maiden flight on October 24, 2000, while the X-32 did so on September 18. According to William Bach, an official of the US Department of Defense, both models met the requirements in the almost one-year test program. A special feature of the test program was of course the demonstration of the vertical take-off and landing properties. The X-32 succeeded in doing this for the first time on February 22, 2001. The X-35B, on the other hand, was only able to demonstrate this on June 24, 2001.
On October 26, 2001, the X-35 was declared the winner, with which the construction contract for the JSF went to Lockheed Martin. The decisive factor was the conventional design of the X-35, which meant that there was less development risk. The lift system of the X-32 was significantly more complex and therefore the STOVL version would probably have become significantly more expensive. At the same time, the X-32 suffered from weight problems, which is why the flight performance of the X-35 was better. Economic and political reasons also played a role in the decision in favor of Lockheed Martin, since the company, as a pure arms company, is dependent on major orders from the Pentagon, whereas Boeing's civil division means that it can survive without the JSF contract.
construction
The X-35 is a relatively conventional design. Consisting of delta wings with elevator and double vertical stabilizer, many elements of the F-22 are included in the design, due to the stealth requirements. The vertical stabilizers are angled slightly outwards. The air inlets, which are bent inwards at the front end, are at the same angle. This feature came from the F-105 Thunderchief . Some of the weapons are carried internally so that the radar cross-section is not enlarged by externally attached weapons.
variants
X-35A
The X-35A is the basic version of the JSF and is an aircraft with conventional take-off and landing capabilities ( CTOL ). The first flight took place on October 24, 2000 in Palmdale ( California / USA ), the first supersonic flight on November 21, 2000. After the tests of the X-35A were completed in November, the X-35B was created.
X-35B
The X-35B is an aircraft that can take off and land vertically ( VTOL ), but mainly the STOVL variant (short take-off and vertical landing) is used. The ability to float is achieved by a lift fan behind the cockpit (arrangement as in the EWR VJ 101 ), which is connected to the only engine in the rear, and the exhaust jet, which is moved by 90 ° by a "3-bearing swivel module" can be pivoted down. The aircraft is controlled by engine-fed nozzles in the wings . The first hover over a grating took place on February 22, 2001 in Palmdale (California / USA). The first transition from hovering to level flight was successfully carried out on July 3rd at Edwards AFB (USA), the transition from level flight to vertical landing on July 16, 2001.
X-35C
This variant is designed for use on conventional (catapult) aircraft carriers (CV). The main distinguishing features are the enlarged wings, the reinforced landing gear and the catch hook at the stern. The first flight took place on December 16, 2000 in Palmdale ( California / USA ), 250 simulated aircraft carrier landings were carried out between January 3, 2001 and March 10, 2001.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data of the X-35B |
|---|---|
| length | 15.37 m |
| span | 10.67 m |
| Wing area | 42.70 m² |
| Wing extension | 2.67 |
| Wing loading |
|
| height | 5.28 m |
| Empty mass | 11,340 kg |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 22,280 kg |
| g limits | 9 g |
| Top speed | Mach 1.6+ (at optimal altitude) |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m |
| Range | 2222 km |
| Engine |
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| Thrust |
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| Thrust-to-weight ratio |
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See also
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Description on history.nasa.gov p. 44 (X-35). (PDF; 1.2 MB) Retrieved April 8, 2013 .