NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – On June 14, F-35B Joint
Strike Fighter test aircraft BF-2 completed the first test flight for
the short takeoff and vertical landing variant with an asymmetric
weapons load. Cmdr. Eric Buus flew BF-2 with an AIM-9X Sidewinder inert
missile on the starboard pylon, a centerline 25 mm gun pod, and a GBU-32
and AIM-120 in the starboard weapon bay. Significant weapons testing
for the F-35B and F-35C variants is in progress, including fit checks,
captive carriage environment characterization, and pit drops. Aerial
weapons separation testing is scheduled for this summer.
The F-35B is the variant of the Joint Strike Fighter for the U.S. Marine
Corps, capable of short take-offs and vertical landings for use on
amphibious ships or expeditionary airfields to provide air power to the
Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The F-35B is undergoing test and
evaluation at NAS Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet. (Photo
courtesy of Lockheed Martin) |