Vought To Conduct Full-Scale Drop Tests On F-35C Lightning II JSF

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?contentBlockId=6135f1ff-f3f3-4f06-8edb-ee69986f8fce

The tests are being conducted to verify the strength of the F-35C Navy variant landing gear and airframe structure for carrier landing operations. Pre-test aircraft preparation includes the installation of special drop test fixtures, test systems and instrumentation on the aircraft. Actual drop testing is currently estimated to start in January and continue through April at the Vought Structures Test Lab here.