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One of the most under appreciated aspects about the test program is how the concur-
rent learning among the various test centers provides enhanced confidence and acceler-
ates testing with all T/M/S of this new aircraft.

The cross learning from the USMC F-35B, the service’s first T/M/S to achieve IOC, to
the USAF F-35A to the USN F-35C model — with the preparation of the first RAF F-35B
squadron — has meant that the USN can operate its Cs more rapidly and with more
confidence and capability than in a traditional single-model aircraft test program.

The developmental testing across the board at Pax is converging on the emergence of an
airplane that features excellent, handling qualities. Every F-35 pilot interviewed by the
Second Line of Defense team over the past few years has commented on the stable flight
characteristics of the Lighting II. This was especially being proven in the most demand-
ing and unforgiving combat flight requirements — carrier operations in all weather and
sea sates.

It was noted that just like the USMC experience with F-35B, flight stability and control
for safety and ease of a vertical landing, the same man-machine interface albeit different
for Carrier arrested landings, is built into the F-35C.

Consequently, the prospects for reducing initial pilot training and re-qualification time
for experienced Naval Aviators on the basics of safe landings and take-offs —with re-
gard to both vertical and angled deck carrier flight ops —is a noteworthy accomplish-
ment of the F-35 design.

This eventual reduction in required training for deck and carrier qualification means
more flights can be used for tactical training.

An especially important impact maybe experienced with new pilots or “nuggets,” first

tour aviators, who may have a safer basic training focus on landing and take-off re-

quirements, requiring fewer hops because the aircraft is essentially easy to fly. If this is

the case, then more expanded tactical training and operational time can be built into the
Training & Readiness (T&R) syllabus within the same amount of resources required by

an AV-8 or an F/A-18 just to learn and also stay current.

Second Line of Defense Lessons Learned at Pax River
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