F-35B Aircraft

The US Marine Corps‘ (USMC) first operational F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft has successfully completed its first short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) operations aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, US.

F-35B Lightning II test pilot major Richard Rusnok performed the first short landing and takeoff using BF-19 aircraft, as well as the hover and vertical landing outside of a testing environment.

Meanwhile, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) commanding officer lieutenant colonel Jeffrey Scott piloted second F-35B as a chase aircraft.

Designed and developed in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems, the Lockheed Martin-built F-35 JSF aircraft can perform takeoffs from smaller amphibious warfare vessels, as well as landings on improvised airstrips.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"VMFA-121 is scheduled to receive additional F-35s throughout the next eight to 12 months, reaching a total of 16 aircraft by late-2013."

Capable of flying at a maximum speed of 1,960km/h, the F-35B is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburner turbofan engine and has combat radius and maximum range of 833km and 1,667km respectively.

See Also:

In addition to replacing the USMC’s AV-8B Harrier and F-18 Hornet aircraft, the other JSF variants will replace US Air Force’s (USAF) existing F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet, as well as McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet aircraft for the US Navy.

The first F-35B squadron to join Marine Aircraft Group 13, VMFA-121 is scheduled to receive additional F-35s throughout the next eight to 12 months, reaching a total of 16 aircraft by late-2013.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is planning to buy up to 138 F-35B JSF aircraft for the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

Image: A USMC’s F-35B aircraft performs vertical landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. Photo: courtesy of Cpl Ken Kalemkarian.

Defence Technology