Can a F35 take off vertically ?

[William Gaatjes]

I noticed a lot of youtube movies where it lands vertically or just hovers in the air.
I have not found any where the F35 takes of vertically without accelerating horizontally first.

 

[William Gaatjes]

nevermind.
After about the eight youtube movie, i found one :

https://youtu.be/H2G36gH1ylI?t=54

 

[gorobei]

f35 and harriers dont typically take off vertically because they cant do so with any significant payload/munitions onboard. ski ramps are used on carriers to allow short takeoff STOVL with payload. only the marines value VTOL as it allows them to operate closer to ground forces even though they cant carry any major bombloads.

 

[William Gaatjes]

f35 and harriers dont typically take off vertically because they cant do so with any significant payload/munitions onboard. ski ramps are used on carriers to allow short takeoff STOVL with payload. only the marines value VTOL as it allows them to operate closer to ground forces even though they cant carry any major bombloads.

Well, that makes sense. But it sure is fun to see the F35 take off like that.
I remember that i had a few years ago posted some videos.
I am sure i had the same question back then. I must have forgotten.

 

[Fenixgoon]

no it can't. it's STOVL - short takeoff, vertical landing. it was originally billed to be VTOL though during the bid.

 

[tynopik]

no it can't. it's STOVL - short takeoff, vertical landing. it was originally billed to be VTOL though during the bid.

it technically can, it just can't carry enough fuel or weapons to do anything useful, so it would never be done outside of airshows

 

[Ventanni]

According to this article, the F-35B is scheduled to be able to carry 18,000lbs of bomb payload, which is more than the F-18 Hornet carriers. But it also goes on to explain the F-35B's mission a little better, too. At first it will go in with an internal payload (max 4,000lbs) to dismantle the air defenses, then come back with up to 18,000lbs fitted in additional external bays. I'm it can do SVTL with just internal payload, but it doesn't clarify whether it will be able to do that with its maximum external payload.

For reference, the Harrier II that the F-35B replaces can carry a maximum of 9,200lbs of ordinance. Either way, it looks like the F-35B is a substantial upgrade in payload, range, and capability over the Harrier II.

 

[tynopik]

For reference, the Harrier II that the F-35B replaces can carry a maximum of 9,200lbs of ordinance. Either way, it looks like the F-35B is a substantial upgrade in payload, range, and capability over the Harrier II.

also roughly 1000 times safer to operate

computerized controls have come a long ways since the Harrier was introduced

 

[pauldun170]

Yes, the F-35B can take off and land vertically.
VTOL is not used during take off because its a waste of gas and there is no realistic scenario where F-35b\Harrier is being stationed at a helicopter pad or your moms backyard.

The selling point of aircraft like the Harrier and F-35b is being able to operate from ANY kind of runaway where they are not bound to runway length. While other types with a combat load might require a minimum runway length of 3500ft to 4000ft on takeoff\landing, an F-35b with a combat load could take off in a couple hundred feet.

That's why the Marines have such a hard on for these things. They can station them anywhere that they can lay down some matting. That's the appeal. An airbase is where you want it to be.

Generally it might do VTOL during the landing phase because at that point, fuel consumption is not a concern. Benefit here is that while other aircraft require 3000-5000ft, F-35b and Harriers can just plop right on the spot marked "park here".