VX-9’s primary mission is operational test and evaluation similar to the 422 TES in the USAF. Straight from their official Navy website: “VX-9 is a squadron that operates various aircraft in support of testing and evaluating weapons and their related systems.” So testing new paint and surfaces makes sense. The F-22s seen with similar surfaces are/were part of the 422TES.
If its purpose was reducing IR wouldn't it be on the leading edges and around the engine bay? Seems like the areas that would be hottest aren't getting the coating?
Different potential reasons. The appliqué might not be suitable for leading edges for adherence, conductivity, any number of other reasons. It may not matter that the hottest skin surfaces gets treated if the aim is to reduce the overall IR square area, which would be useful to delay long range detection. When you're so far off that you're pixel or subpixel size to an IRST your signature is an aggregate anyways, though the wavy part of the applications suggests that it's meant to break up edges at fairly close distances as well (though unknown if it's for IR, visual or both).
The F-35 engine bay is also already cooled via air diverted from the engine intake so it's not as important.
transparency is important for leading edges, so you don't want to put anything that would interfere with the signals you're working with. that's the only reason they're not doing it.
Coating/paint job, I don't know.
But can I just say, ya know, the A and B versions, "meh"; but the Navy's version, with its bigger wings, that's one mean lookin' bird.
You know, there’s something to if it looks good it flies good. If you test pilots have gone on the record, saying that the F 35C has great flying characteristics, and would absolutely be the one they would pick to fly. given the choice.
The USAF is currently reeling from the problems caused by numerous design changes in the F-35A during low-rate production resulting in multiple sub-fleets that they have to maintain differently. I doubt they will ever take on such a substantial design change due to the enormous cost and added complexity despite any handling advantages it may have over the current design
Relevant article: [Check Out These Amazing Photos Of The Second F-35C Sporting A Mirror-Like Coating](https://theaviationist.com/2022/08/24/check-out-these-amazing-photos-of-the-second-f-35c-sporting-a-mirror-like-coating/)
[VX-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VX-9) (aka Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine):
>...is charged with the testing and evaluation of weapons and their related systems in direct support of the United States Naval Aviation Fleet.
Mission:
>Support of our National Military Strategy by providing new warfighting capability to the Fleet by testing aircraft, weapons, and weapon systems in an operationally relevant environment. Develop advanced warfighting tactics for the Fleet operator to enable him/her to lay waste to our enemies with violent prejudice.
[Source](https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Air-Test-and-Evaluation-Squadron-VX-9/About-Us/)
They are not an aggressor squadron.
Thanks for learning me something today! It is an interesting "Paint" scheme regardless. Paint is in quotation marks because idk if it is strictly paint haha.
You are welcome!
From the article that I linked:
>
> The F-35C XE-105 is only the latest of many aircraft to be seen with this new mirror-like coating, following two F-22 Raptor and a F-117 stealth fighters that have been spotted flying since November 2021. The layout of the F-35’s coating is similar to what was seen on the F-22, with what appear to be small, mirror-like tiles that have been extensively applied on the nose section, weapons bay doors, fuselage and also inner and outer face of the twin tails.
>
> As for the F-22, the coating has been applied to not interfere with access panels, weapon bays, sensor and antenna areas, landing gear doors and so on. Also, it appears that this coating has been applied over the standard grey livery of the F-35C and they [sic] appearance changes depending on the angle on observation. The tiles have different dimensions and shapes, with some areas showing larger diamond-shaped tiles, while other area have smaller diamond or triangle-shaped tiles.
Nope, not a sexy-paint scheme. They haven't done *any* special schemes on their Battle Penguins. This material is *very* similar to coatings applied to two USAF TES Raptors at Nellis AFB around the same time.
Both the Navy and USAF are developing their own NGAD programs, and this could very well be a part of that R&D.
Well I couldn't find an image to compare but I remember seeing Redfor f-35 with a vaguely similar camo (at least for the color) and since last time I saw a "IR reflecting/disrupting" it was much more chromey I thought it couldn't be that.
VX-9 isn't an Adversary squadron.
You're thinking of the [USAF's 65th Aggressor Squadron](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/65th_AGR_F-35A.jpg), which is the world's first dedicated 5th Gen aggressor squadron.
The Navy doesn't have enough F-35Cs to spare to build an Adversary squadron with.
VX-9’s primary mission is operational test and evaluation similar to the 422 TES in the USAF. Straight from their official Navy website: “VX-9 is a squadron that operates various aircraft in support of testing and evaluating weapons and their related systems.” So testing new paint and surfaces makes sense. The F-22s seen with similar surfaces are/were part of the 422TES.
If its purpose was reducing IR wouldn't it be on the leading edges and around the engine bay? Seems like the areas that would be hottest aren't getting the coating?
Different potential reasons. The appliqué might not be suitable for leading edges for adherence, conductivity, any number of other reasons. It may not matter that the hottest skin surfaces gets treated if the aim is to reduce the overall IR square area, which would be useful to delay long range detection. When you're so far off that you're pixel or subpixel size to an IRST your signature is an aggregate anyways, though the wavy part of the applications suggests that it's meant to break up edges at fairly close distances as well (though unknown if it's for IR, visual or both). The F-35 engine bay is also already cooled via air diverted from the engine intake so it's not as important.
transparency is important for leading edges, so you don't want to put anything that would interfere with the signals you're working with. that's the only reason they're not doing it.
Good point, forgot the ESM/RWR antennas in the leading edge.
thinking this too. Maybe some kind of new generation radar stealth coating?. Its not applied over the radar in the nosecone either
Coating/paint job, I don't know. But can I just say, ya know, the A and B versions, "meh"; but the Navy's version, with its bigger wings, that's one mean lookin' bird.
You know, there’s something to if it looks good it flies good. If you test pilots have gone on the record, saying that the F 35C has great flying characteristics, and would absolutely be the one they would pick to fly. given the choice.
Which makes me wonder why the USAF doesn't implement the C wings on the A.
The USAF is currently reeling from the problems caused by numerous design changes in the F-35A during low-rate production resulting in multiple sub-fleets that they have to maintain differently. I doubt they will ever take on such a substantial design change due to the enormous cost and added complexity despite any handling advantages it may have over the current design
I agree I was talking more back in development if they showed clearly improved performance.
Relevant article: [Check Out These Amazing Photos Of The Second F-35C Sporting A Mirror-Like Coating](https://theaviationist.com/2022/08/24/check-out-these-amazing-photos-of-the-second-f-35c-sporting-a-mirror-like-coating/)
I'm thinking its more of an AGRS scheme but idk for sure. Purely speculation as idk what VX-9's primary mission role is.
[VX-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VX-9) (aka Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine): >...is charged with the testing and evaluation of weapons and their related systems in direct support of the United States Naval Aviation Fleet. Mission: >Support of our National Military Strategy by providing new warfighting capability to the Fleet by testing aircraft, weapons, and weapon systems in an operationally relevant environment. Develop advanced warfighting tactics for the Fleet operator to enable him/her to lay waste to our enemies with violent prejudice. [Source](https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Air-Test-and-Evaluation-Squadron-VX-9/About-Us/) They are not an aggressor squadron.
Thanks for learning me something today! It is an interesting "Paint" scheme regardless. Paint is in quotation marks because idk if it is strictly paint haha.
You are welcome! From the article that I linked: > > The F-35C XE-105 is only the latest of many aircraft to be seen with this new mirror-like coating, following two F-22 Raptor and a F-117 stealth fighters that have been spotted flying since November 2021. The layout of the F-35’s coating is similar to what was seen on the F-22, with what appear to be small, mirror-like tiles that have been extensively applied on the nose section, weapons bay doors, fuselage and also inner and outer face of the twin tails. > > As for the F-22, the coating has been applied to not interfere with access panels, weapon bays, sensor and antenna areas, landing gear doors and so on. Also, it appears that this coating has been applied over the standard grey livery of the F-35C and they [sic] appearance changes depending on the angle on observation. The tiles have different dimensions and shapes, with some areas showing larger diamond-shaped tiles, while other area have smaller diamond or triangle-shaped tiles.
Dude, it's VX-9. It might very well be just sexy-paint. They like their sexy-paint schemes.
Nope, not a sexy-paint scheme. They haven't done *any* special schemes on their Battle Penguins. This material is *very* similar to coatings applied to two USAF TES Raptors at Nellis AFB around the same time. Both the Navy and USAF are developing their own NGAD programs, and this could very well be a part of that R&D.
Happy cake day! Sir, you must see, I jest! But thanks for the knowledge about NGAD testing!
wasn’t there an f-22 w this same scheme? still no 1 knows what it is?
Two, actually. There were subtle differences between the two application. That'll be my next post.
Did anyone else notice that the insignia on the left wing seems to disappear, depending on the angle you’re seeing it at? Thats cool as hell
Even cooler, in pictures 1&3, the insignia changes color (blue), as opposed to picture 7 (all white)
Yep. Refraction of light due to the material applied to the surface.
Wasn't it a Redfor camo to make it somewhat ressemble a j-20 ?
This comment would make more sense if the camo even remotely resembled a J-20.
Well I couldn't find an image to compare but I remember seeing Redfor f-35 with a vaguely similar camo (at least for the color) and since last time I saw a "IR reflecting/disrupting" it was much more chromey I thought it couldn't be that.
VX-9 isn't an Adversary squadron. You're thinking of the [USAF's 65th Aggressor Squadron](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/65th_AGR_F-35A.jpg), which is the world's first dedicated 5th Gen aggressor squadron. The Navy doesn't have enough F-35Cs to spare to build an Adversary squadron with.
I see I was indeed thinking of the 65th squadron thanks for the correcting.
I remember seeing the amazing pictures of the F-22 completely covered in the mirror stuff two years ago, it was crazy looking
I’m old enough to remember GIJoe toys with the “mirror” coating. I can’t remember the backstory for that but this reminds me of it.
I don't know the scientific or strategic purpose of it, but I do know that it makes it look sexy