← 10 Percent True - Tales from the Cockpit
Mar 1, 2026 · 31 min
Jif Paines | 10 Percent True | EP82Chapters Get the full episode: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/list In this episode, former RAF Harrier pilot and X-35B test pilot “Jif” Paines explains how the F-35B’s revolutionary STOVL flight control system was born. From early Harrier night attack operations to experimental fly-by-wire research on the VAAC Harrier, Jif traces the technical and philosophical battle that led to Unified Flight Control — the system that made the F-35B dramatically easier to fly. Along the way he discusses: • Auto-eject systems and pilot safety philosophy • The lift-fan mechanics behind the F-35B’s STOVL capability • The X-35 concept demonstrations and engineering decisions behind them • Why automation can “de-skill” pilots — and why that may be necessary • How test pilots and engineers negotiate control authority • And why automation forces a fundamental rethink of the human role in combat aviation This conversation provides rare insight into test pilot culture, engineering decision-making, and the future of autonomous airpower. 0:00 “A stupid question?” 1:15 Welcome Jif 1:38 Auto-eject subscriber question (Sedlo) 4:24 Thanks to Super for the introduction 4:48 Jif’s introduction 11:40 Transferring TPS knowledge and skills to testing in the X-35 14:00 What decisions had been made before joining the program? 17:12 VAAC Harrier control laws and pilot resistance to the concepts being developed 20:15 Unified Flight Control explained 25:15 Engineering the “feel” for the pilot — reversion and safety features, de-skilling 31:10 “A stupid question?” 32:16 Integration of the control laws into the X-35 34:19 Lift-fan dynamics and operating process 37:00 Differences between flying the VAAC Harrier and the F-35 38:10 STOVL initially implemented in Harrier style — why? 40:22 Flying characteristics and aircraft feel 43:16 Exciting? 44:40 Transferring expertise to the X and F variants and defending Unified Flight Control 49:40 The Farley climb 53:50 The future of the pilot in military aviation 57:30 Thanks Jif (please return!)