The first F-35C (CF-1) did the first catapult hookup tests on Wednesday, April 6, 2011.
clicky
Is it just me, or isn't it a bigger deal than they're making it out to be that the tow bar didn't mesh up with the shuttle on the initial fit checks?
"The test team also investigated an issue discovered during a preliminary fit check with the launch bar where it did not lower far enough to engage flight deck hardware for the catapult hook up. That test resulted in an improvement made to the launch bar so it will have a greater range of motion."
With all the computer-aided design stuff in play, it seems like this shouldn't have been an issue in the first place. Ah, the joys of flight test.
clicky
Is it just me, or isn't it a bigger deal than they're making it out to be that the tow bar didn't mesh up with the shuttle on the initial fit checks?
"The test team also investigated an issue discovered during a preliminary fit check with the launch bar where it did not lower far enough to engage flight deck hardware for the catapult hook up. That test resulted in an improvement made to the launch bar so it will have a greater range of motion."
With all the computer-aided design stuff in play, it seems like this shouldn't have been an issue in the first place. Ah, the joys of flight test.