Re:F-35A Has Flown from a Highway for the First Time
by TulliusCicero on Monday September 25, 2023 @05:49PM
(#37651199)
Even the F-35B doesn't actually do vertical takeoff in practice (though it's capable of doing so IIRC), it does vertical landing and short take-off. Going straight up uses a LOT of fuel.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
Re:F-35A Has Flown from a Highway for the First Time
by dharmab on Monday September 25, 2023 @07:55PM
(#37652440)
It can do vertical takeoff for demonstration or very short ferries but cannot carry a combat loadout.
Re:F-35A Has Flown from a Highway for the First Time
by SkyPuncher on Monday September 25, 2023 @11:16PM
(#37653890)
You also have a lot more weight at takeoff (fuel and weapons)
Re:F-35A Has Flown from a Highway for the First Time
by t0mas88 on Tuesday September 26, 2023 @05:31AM
(#37656686)
Also going straight up is a much higher risk operation than having some forward speed. The timeframe to eject in case of a problem is very very short when you're "hovering" while with forward speed the jet has much more stability buying you time.
Helicopters also tend to take off with forward speed if conditions permit. Not because of ejection options (they don't have them), but because of energy available and options in case of an engine failure. Forward speed is "energy in the bank" which you can use if (one of) your engine(s) quits.