MV-22, F-35B Downwash Problem Solved

The Navy has resolved problems caused by hot downwash onto the flight decks of two of its newest ships. To mitigate the downwash, generated by MV-22 Osprey and F-35B joint strike fighters, the Navy plans to modify the flight decks on the amphibious assault ships America and Tripoli. America, which was commissioned in October, will undergo retrofits. Tripoli will incorporate appropriate design changes while under construction. Downwash long has been a concern among ship designers. Navy officials are concerned that the intense heat generated by the Osprey and JSF possibly could warp flight decks.