A supremely well-trained US Navy pilot, ice running in his veins instead of blood, fully regains control of his $70 million, F-35 joint strike force fighter, after a problematic vertical take-off attempt… Watch as the rear vertical thruster fires to cause the problem. There’s nothing about this the pilot enjoys. If he could have ejected at 100′ upside down and lived, he would have.

Looks like the afterburner kicks in while still vectored for vertical takeoff. Lockheed would call this a “software malfunction” and do a little more “regressive testing”. This is a good demonstration of power-to-weight ratio of this aircraft! And talk about stability control… wow!

If he didn’t come out of the loop wings-level, it probably would have been bad news; maybe taking some of the carrier with him! Add to this flying through your own exhaust, which can lead to equipment malfunctions, as in “flame out”. The F-35 is single engine aircraft with vertical takeoff/landing capability, but it has the aerodynamics of a Steinway piano at zero airspeed. This is the most unbelievable piece of flying you will ever see in your
life.

This guy’s coolness saved a 70 million-dollar aircraft! On the other hand, he might not have had time to react to anything except just ride it.  Talk about a close call…….

I bet you’ll watch it at least 2 times!