BeechTalk - BT - F-35B has Yak-141 DNA

Username Protected · **Posted:** 19 Apr 2025, 22:21

I always wondered about the unstable fly by wire later fighters that seem to fly so well as a RC model with NO augmented stability? Even with large control throws.

Is it just CG location that makes them unstable?

Until a very recent tailless fighter they all seem to have enough surface sizes to be stable in flight.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Apr 2025, 00:18

Quote:

Btw - I must have forgotten this feature of the MiG-21, but I saw a video of the -21 that a pilot defected with to Isreal in the 60s and it showed the MiG-21 with a forward hinged canopy. I only remember it with the side hinged canopy.

… and the Chinese-built MiG-21’s (J-7) had rear-hinged canopies. IIRC; the MiG-21 at Hill (or Offut?) had a J-7 painted in Russian livery. I was told it was flown at Tonopah/4477th Red Eagles.