X-35/F-35 wind tunnel model and patent featuring alternative intake configuration

[Sferrin]

Anybody know the story behind this?

Forward fuselage looks a lot more. . .traditional than the production version. Looks like it's got the X-35 style intake, but the body looks like it drops down more than an F-35A. ???

 

[Sundog]

It looks to me like it's just testing the aerodynamics up to the inlets. Because, if it was a different design then the cockpit is also raised up above the rear of the fuselage. I think it just required the belly for the flow through the model inlets.

 

[fightingirish]

These links found with Google Picture Search.

Joint Strike Fighter model in a x6 supersonic wind tunnel at the NASA Glenn Research Center’s (GRC) research facilities and laboratories

Links:
http://www.sierralobo.com/government-services/fixed-and-rotary-wing-aircraft-testing/#!prettyPhotohttp://www.sierralobo.com/work/tfome/

 

[Sferrin]

It's the same picture. That's where it came from.

 

[marauder2048]

Did McAir's CDD JSF come together in a closet with Lockheed's design?

 

[flateric]

Forward fuselage looks a lot more. . .traditional than the production version. Looks like it's got the X-35 style intake, but the body looks like it drops down more than an F-35A. ???

If flying F-35 is iteration dubbed 240-4.7, one can imagine how much were tested prior final one was made. At certain stage F-35 had F-22 style inlet

 

[dark sidius]

What is it ? new inlet for another engine ? or something else ?

 

[Sferrin]

What is it ? new inlet for another engine ? or something else ?

It's an older picture. X-35 style inlets and non-stealth canopy.

 

[fightingirish]

Hello folks,
apologies for bringing up this nine-year-old topic, but while reading the July issue of Air International, I came across a 1998 patent 5,749,542 showcasing various intake arrangements for the X-35/F-35.
This patent might come in handy, if we discuss a twin-engine F-35, a F-35 with a larger bomb bay or the "F-55" again.
Link:
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/92/0d/f7/708409735b626f/US5749542.pdf