F-35B test aircraft BF-2 took to the air with external stores on Feb. 22. It was carrying two AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and a centerline 25 mm gun pod.
Lockheed Martin photo
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The design does not look optimal. Disproportionately large control surfaces on the stabilizer that also ought to be disturbed by the very nearby wing flaps on the main wing. It looks thoughtfully out even the hit-resistant safety aspect. It seems that the aircraft will not tolerate too many injuries on the stabilizer before it goes completely to hell. And these huge weapon beams! They look like rough forgings from 18-century and holds the secret fuel, strips, torches or space for four additional “systems operators”? This can´t be a fare solution.
A separate gunpod on an airplane for the high price does not seem serious. Especially as the honourword has been STEALTH. Will also CTOL version to have this “external” gunpod? How to solve brake hook arrangement so that the aircraft can be landing on aircraft carriers? How much performance limits this arrangement of beams and external arming What are all the buyers think with these strange events?