Lockheed Martin F-35B Begins In-Flight STOVL Operations
The Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) stealth fighter has engaged its STOVL propulsion system in flight for the first time.
F-35 Lead STOVL Pilot Graham Tomlinson of BAE Systems took off at 1:53 p.m. EST, climbed to 5,000 feet and engaged the shaft-driven LiftFan propulsion system at 210 knots (288 mph), then slowed to 180 knots (207 mph) with the system engaged before accelerating to 210 knots and converting back to conventional-flight mode. The STOVL propulsion system was engaged for a total of 14 minutes during the flight. Tomlinson landed at 2:41 p.m. EST.
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