Simulator preps for F-35-QEC operations

BAE Systems' flight engineering simulator is set to begin training for F-35 Lightning II pilots preparing for flight trials on the UK's incoming Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier.

The simulator will allow pilots to practise landing on the deck of the new aircraft carrier in a range of difficult sea and weather conditions.

Located at BAE Systems Military Air and Information site in Warton, Lancashire, the system offers a 360-degree immersive experience for pilots to fly the jet to and from the carrier. It comprises a cockpit moved by an electronic motion platform and a full representation of the ship's flying control tower, where a landing signal officer on board the carrier will control aviation operations.

In the coming months the simulator will be used by UK and US military test pilots who have experience of flying F-35s on US carriers. Drills will include ski jump short take-offs and vertical landings that use both the vertical thrust from the jet engine and aerodynamic lift from the wings, allowing the aircraft to take-off and land on the carrier with increased weapon and fuel loads compared to predecessor aircraft.

The simulator has been converted from a previous version which was designed to develop technology for the Harrier jump-jet and the Hawk advanced jet trainer before being converted for F-35.