AFRL Turns F-35 Model Upside Down for Measurements Published March 10, 2014 By Brandie Woodard, AFRL/RITM Information ROME, New York -- In preparation for antenna pattern measurements, the Air Force Research Laboratory was charged with rolling its full-scale Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) CV airframe model upside down at AFRL's Newport, New York, test site. The F-35 JSF antenna testing program started in 2004 with Conventional Takeoff and Landing and Short Takeoff Vertical Landing models. AFRL then acquired a full-scale F-35 CV model, which has much larger wings and vertical and horizontal tails. AFRL engineer Peter Ricci analyzed the airframe and designed a unique roll-over structure. The photo collage shows the process whereby the 11-ton payload starts out right-side up, is stood on end, and finally set upside down to permit measurements needed by the Air Force to be taken on the numerous antennas on the belly of the airframe.