F-35B lands on USS WASP

Oct. 3, 2011 - At approximately 3:20 p.m. EDT today, F-35B test jet BF-2 successfully executed a vertical landing on the deck of the USS WASP (LHD-1). The landing marks the beginning of ship suitability testing, known as developmental test 1, for Lockheed Martin's F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant. During developmental test 1, test pilots will verify F-35B basic performance and handling qualities in a flight envelope that approximates that used by fleet pilots during carrier qualification flights. Check www.f35.com frequently for more information on this developing story.