Jif Paines | 10 Percent True | EP82Chapters

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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!)