Could You Land an F-35B? Test Pilot Says Yes

Jif Paines | 10 Percent True | EP82ChaptersGet the full episode:https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listIn this episode, former RAF Harrier pilot and X-35B test pilot “Jif” Paines explains how the F-35B’s revolutionary STOVL flight control system was born.From early Harrier night attack operations to experimental fly-by-wire research on the VAAC Harrier, Jif traces the technical and philosophical battle that led to Unified Flight Control — the system that made the F-35B dramatically easier to fly.Along the way he discusses:• Auto-eject systems and pilot safety philosophy• The lift-fan mechanics behind the F-35B’s STOVL capability• The X-35 concept demonstrations and engineering decisions behind them• Why automation can “de-skill” pilots — and why that may be necessary• How test pilots and engineers negotiate control authority• And why automation forces a fundamental rethink of the human role in combat aviationThis conversation provides rare insight into test pilot culture, engineering decision-making, and the future of autonomous airpower.0:00 “A stupid question?”1:15 Welcome Jif1:38 Auto-eject subscriber question (Sedlo)4:24 Thanks to Super for the introduction4:48 Jif’s introduction11:40 Transferring TPS knowledge and skills to testing in the X-3514:00 What decisions had been made before joining the program?17:12 VAAC Harrier control laws and pilot resistance to the concepts being developed20:15 Unified Flight Control explained25:15 Engineering the “feel” for the pilot — reversion and safety features, de-skilling31:10 “A stupid question?”32:16 Integration of the control laws into the X-3534:19 Lift-fan dynamics and operating process37:00 Differences between flying the VAAC Harrier and the F-3538:10 STOVL initially implemented in Harrier style — why?40:22 Flying characteristics and aircraft feel43:16 Exciting?44:40 Transferring expertise to the X and F variants and defending Unified Flight Control49:40 The Farley climb53:50 The future of the pilot in military aviation57:30 Thanks Jif (please return!)