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I recall that in at least one case an F-35 used for an airshow demonstration had visible deterioration of the stealth material forward of its canopy. It seems t
by caconym_ 7y ago
I recall that in at least one case an F-35 used for an airshow demonstration had visible deterioration of the stealth material forward of its canopy. It seems that the low-observable systems used by the F-35 are very maintenance-intensive and that the jets used for shows may not be in combat-ready condition.
(or, if you prefer, maybe the jets used for demonstrations are intentionally damaged in visible ways so that there is a convenient excuse for the ease of detecting them on radar)
edit: I was thinking of the F-22, see comments below for a source. But similar considerations probably apply to the F-35.
- app 7y agoI think you are thinking of these recent photos of an F-22: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29218/these-images-of-an-f-22-raptors-crumbling-radar-absorbent-skin-are-fascinating https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29218/these-images-of-... However you're no doubt correct that radar absorbant materials is high maintenance on any aircraft.
- caconym_ 7y agoYou're right! Thanks for finding the source.
- bitL 7y agoDoes F-35 use the same toxic coating as F-22? I believe one could be easily harmed just by touching F-22.
- greedo 7y agoSimilar considerations do not apply to the F-35. It has a completely different skin coating than the F-22.
- caconym_ 7y agoDifferent it may be, but I doubt it's maintenance-free. Got a source?