An F-35A, modified with a drag chute designed for Norwegian Air Force F-35As, deploys its chute upon test landing at Edwards AFB, California. (Lockheed Martin)
Defense News: Norway’s F-35s have a problem with a unique piece of gear
WASHINGTON — Norway’s F-35s have a unique feature that distinguishes them from other countries’ version of the joint strike fighter: a drag chute that is used to slow the landing of the jet in icy conditions.
However, the the drag chute is failing more than expected and the Royal Norwegian Air Force is working with the Pentagon to fix the issue before next winter.
“It’s not working the way we expected, and they are working on reconfiguring this capability,” Norwegian air chief Brig. Gen. Tonje Skinnarland said in an exclusive interview with Defense News on Thursday.
“That said, our experience operating the F-35 on slippery airfields is that it’s more safe and easier than with the F-16s,” she added. “With the stability of the [F-35] aircraft, it’s easier to take off and land on slippery airfields. … It’s performing extremely well.”
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Update: These F-35s Have a Parachute Problem (Popular Mechanics)
WNU Editor: Norway must have some very small airfields. I have been told that this is not a problem for the F-35 in Alaska.
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