Had a question re the F-35b ability to land in an unprepared area. Does the F-35b have anything to prevent foreign object ingestion while taking off in an unprepared area, or does the F-35 always require a pad or reinforced area to land?
I ask because if there are orders for the F-35b Japan just announced a purchase of 100 more F-35a/b, what is the value of a STOVL if not to be able to deploy it in scattered positions not requiring expensive reinforcement and preparation.
That said, I really like the Russian approach to protect the engine while enabling rough field performance! (Yak-130 intake "swiveling plugs")
Yak-130 plugs shown @0:36
https://youtu.be/6utHkjOO8S0
I ask because if there are orders for the F-35b Japan just announced a purchase of 100 more F-35a/b, what is the value of a STOVL if not to be able to deploy it in scattered positions not requiring expensive reinforcement and preparation.
That said, I really like the Russian approach to protect the engine while enabling rough field performance! (Yak-130 intake "swiveling plugs")
Yak-130 plugs shown @0:36
https://youtu.be/6utHkjOO8S0