I found out that the F-35C, the carrier version of the Joint Strike Fighter is not equipped with an INTEGRAL boarding ladder. And this aircraft is going to sea. Aboard ship, where space is at a premium. Not an intelligent move.
I have a friend who is with Lockheed Martin, the prime airframe contractor. He informed me that both the OSHA and NAVOSH were directly involved in this part of the design. These two agencies determined that there was a requirement for a ladder that allowed for both hands to be on the sides. Sort of like the boarding ladders on most Air Force tactical aircraft. Exception being the A-10.
Boarding ladders like we use on the F-16 are cumbersome, ungainly and at times a hazard themselves. Guess what gave me a hernia in September?
I understand that the AF operates from large land facilities and has the logistical assets to allow excessive support equipment. That is how they operate. Kind of complicated at times.
In Naval Air, simplicity was a key element of the process. Seems now that concept has been tossed into the shitcan.
See, I do let my service have it when I determine that a dressing down is necessary.
Because stupid has no boundaries and does not play favourites.
Somewhere is a Naval Aviator Flag Officer in serious need of being canned.
2 comments:
Umm... one of Lex's frequent commenters (Spaz Sinbad, methinks) recently posted a link to a drawing of an F-35 WITH on-board boarding ladder; someone else posted a link to a pic of same. Did you see that post?
The A and B prototypes have them. There is the access clearly visible. But even the C has the structural similarities. But my friend at Lockheed Martin says the C will not have an integral boarding ladder.
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