The Influence of Ship Configuration on the Design of the Joint Strike Fighter
Abstract
While the implications of shipboard compatibility have long influenced the design of maritime-based aircraft, the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is unique in that the program is centered on the concurrent development of a family of highly common aircraft variants, two of which are to operate from distinctly different ship types. This procurement strategy poses a formidable challenge to the aircraft designer: Flow to design an air system that meets the unique needs of its multiple warfighter customers while preserving enough commonality to reap the benefits of the family" approach to design, manufacture, and operational sustainment. This paper describes how the configurations of the United States Navy's aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, as well as the United Kingdom Royal Navy's INVINCIBLE-class of carriers, have influenced the basic configurations of the catapult launch / arrested landing (CV) and the short takeoff / vertical landing (STOVL) variants of the 3SF. From these discussions, the designers of future air capable ships can better understand which characteristics of current ship designs impose the most significant constraints for the aircraft based aboard them, and where ship/air interface considerations should play.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 26, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA399988
Entities
People
- Eric S. Ryberg