The F-35A Lightning II has completed the latest in a series of high angle of attack (AOA) tests, manufacturer Lockheed Martin reports.
“The testing accomplished high AOA beyond both the positive and negative maximum command limits, including intentionally putting the aircraft out of control in several configurations,” a May 16 statement said.
“This included initially flying in the stealth clean wing configuration. It was followed by testing with external air-to-air pylons and missiles, and then with open weapon bay doors.”
Lockheed Martin stated that throughout edge-of-the-envelope high AOA testing, which began in 2012, the F-35A has always recovered successfully from out-of-control flight scenarios.
