F-35 weathering pictures for reference.

[NoSG0]

No idea about the article and I am only posting it for anyone needing references for weathering of a carrier based aircraft.

 

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44067/the-f-35cs-radar-absorbent-skin-is-looking-pretty-rough-after-months-at-sea

 

Edit: The canopy could be a bit of fun to tint. A gold/purple/pink depending on the light I guess?

Edited February 1, 2022 by NoSG0

[Paul Bradley]

Interesting. Did the F-35Bs that recently returned on QE show the same weathering? 

[Mike]

Looks like some pretty leaky boom-work on the refuels

[Bertie McBoatface]

8 minutes ago, Mike said:

Looks like some pretty leaky boom-work on the refuels

 

I thought the Navy was wedded to the probe and drogue system. 

[Mike]

3 minutes ago, Bertie Psmith said:

 

I thought the Navy was wedded to the probe and drogue system. 

Agh... what would I know?   I always get them mixed up.  I saw stars & bars and thought boom.

[Alan P]

Finally, a realistic application for 'salt weathering' technique!

[Bertie McBoatface]

20 minutes ago, Mike said:

Agh... what would I know?   I always get them mixed up.  I saw stars & bars and thought boom.

 

It's all those tanks you make.  BOOM!

[junglierating]

Hmm ....I'm pretty sure they have thought about anti corrosion/deterioration maintenance....they have years of experience.

No doubt there is a specially reassuringly expensive foam wash they have to go through.

[dov]

Real radar emission trials would be interesting.

Is the result what it should be?

Or far below ?

Is the aircraft stealth or  vissible like any other, just the pilot believes to be on the safe side?

Happy modelling

[spruecutter96]

That weathering adds some much-needed personality to a rather boring-looking airframe, IMHO.

 

Chris. 

[Slater]

The rather prominent, darker grey zigzag pattern on the aircraft's topside seems to have been replaced by tape or panels (?) that better blend with the rest of the aircraft.

[11bravo]

On 2/22/2022 at 9:45 AM, Slater said:

The rather prominent, darker grey zigzag pattern on the aircraft's topside seems to have been replaced by tape or panels (?) that better blend with the rest of the aircraft.

Yes, they made the change a couple of years ago.  All newer jets have RAM tape (or whatever you want to call it) matched to the overall color.   That being said, from certain angles, this stuff still shows a slightly different tint.

[Navy Bird]

"...the jets appear covered in reddish-brown streaks and splotches over most of their upper surfaces, including the center fuselages, wings, and tail surfaces."

 

Sounds like somebody spilled their Dr. Pepper.    🍫

 

Cheers,

Bill