Looks like an F-35A (USAF variant) and it appears the landing gear were down or partially down (watching on my phone and can't see it to well), but not enough video footage to know for sure if my guess about the phase of flight is correct, but I'm wondering if that mishap happened during takeoff departure and if so, I can envision an ejection while the aircraft is in a steep climb and the aircraft continued upward for a bit above the ejection altitude. Will go look again at my computer if I can see more.
Not the same thing here, but I once performed what we called a "Viking Takeoff" in an F-16D at Edwards, when upon selecting full AB after brake release, raising the landing gear as soon as airborne, remaining just above the runway as I accelerated to 450 knots, smooth pull, to bullseye nose-up vertical, while rolling toward my intended heading, pulling level inverted flight on course, and then rolling upright to head to the assigned restricted area for 1v0 ACM work. If I'd had a to eject during the vertical climb, the aircraft would have been well above my altitude once I separated from the seat and the chute deployed. I don't for a minute believe that F-35 was performing such a steep climb as I just described, only that if the aircraft trajectory upon initiation of the ejection was in a steep climb, it's conceivable that the aircraft would be well above the pilot in the chute for a bit. The F-35 is a highly unstable aircraft without the artificial stability provided by the flight control computers and if their was a significant FCC malfunction, the departure from controlled flight and immediate ejection decision can come fairly quickly.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.