VAAC Harrier test success

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The MoD plans to operate up to 36 F-35B Joint Striker Fighters from each of its two new future aircraft carriers - HMS Queen Elizabeth, scheduled to enter service in 2014, and HMS Prince of Wales, which is expected to be ready in 2016..

Global defence and security company, Qinetiq, has completed successful trials of its T4 Vectored-thrust Aircraft Advanced Control (VAAC) Harrier onboard HMS Illustrious.

Qinetiq’s VAAC Harrier flew a total of 39 sorties between 12-19 November to demonstrate the company’s new Bedford Array visual landing aid system.

The trials were conducted as part of a contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) designed to improve the stability of the new F-35B Lightning II Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft in ‘rolling landings’.

Compared to a standard vertical landing, Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landings (SRVL) extend engine life by reducing propulsion system stress and allow heavier payloads to be brought back by the aircraft.

SRVL involves a STOVL aircraft executing a ‘rolling landing’ onto the carrier flight deck, using air speed to provide wingborne lift to complement engine thrust.

The aircraft uses its own brakes to stop, therefore no arrestor gear is deployed.

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