F-35B Lightning II Demo @ 2014 MCAS Yuma Air Show

[paullangford]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRtPtcAaULk

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRtPtcAaULk[/youtube]

[john001]

Well the 'hovering' was interesting but apart from that the Breitling Wing Walkers are more exciting.

[PhilEAF92]

I'd rather watch the wingwalkers, a lot cheaper and a lot prettier.

horrible ugly stumpy little thing....

[Russ]

Very cool.

[paullangford]

I agree....a bit lackluster......but maybe there's a difference between "Demo" and "Display"

[A380Heavy]

Is the F-35 supposed to be very manoeuvrable? Or is it more about the stealth capabilities and the ability to fly supersonically as well as hover?

Based upon that video I've seen more agile oil tankers!!!

I still think two engines would have been better - it's an awful lot of money to lose should you lose the engine!!

[st24]

[Flare Path]

The wind picked up and limited the 'full' performance.

[expat1]

I agree....a bit lackluster......but maybe there's a difference between "Demo" and "Display"

We used to make the same complaints about the early Typhoon displays. Once they get a few software upgrades under their belts that will be the time to really critique the display. I'm just pleased to finally see one in front of an airshow crowd....

Please, please send one to Sun & Fun next week.

[tankbuster81]

I like it a lot, something different. Hopefully see one this year.

[john001]

That'll be 2021 then

[sylvancatharsis]

It is the USMC after all. They aren't known for putting on spectacular displays. Just show off the unique capabilities and make a couple of fast, noisy passes, just like they do with the AV-8B. They don't have dedicated display pilots, just squadron guys who agree to work weekends

[strangelookingalien]

The F-35 has taken so long and has been so over-budget *and* is planned to replace so many wonderful aircraft I have a natural dislike for it - but that video makes it look quite impressive indeed. Sure enough - not a particularly dynamic display, but it's great to see it displaying at all!

I look forward to seeing them in this country!

[Rory76]

[Russ]

Given this is most probably a one-off demo. I wouldn't read too much into it. I would compare it to the RAF Typhoon "showing" in 2004 and early Raptor displays at Edwards before the type was operational. Just like those, you know it can and will do much more. Given the aircraft can sustain a higher AoA than the Super Hornet and Typhoon, plus it's very noisy, it's going to be a great airshow performer.

A low-observable, supersonic, V/STOL aircraft, what's not to like?

[Beefy]

That thing really do fall out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down

American crowds are normally very excitable and enthusiastic, did anyone hear any kind of enthusiasm except when asked for by the commentator?? The response to which was a very lame woo-hoo lasting all of 2 seconds! ... Dave really is dull. Very unimpressive.

[thunder city]

Well the 'hovering' was interesting but apart from that the Breitling Wing Walkers are more exciting.

[flashman8]

That thing really do fall out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down

my thoughts exactly, .................