F-35B video

F-35B vertical takeoff video

By 

Dave Majumdar

 on May 20, 2013 11:16 PM 

At long last, Lockheed Martin has released the video of the first F-35B vertical takeoff on 10 May. For whatever reason, NAVAIR and the F-35 Joint Program Office would not clear this for release at the time of the event.

Anyways, vertical takeoff is a US Marine Corps requirement, however it's only intended from repositioning the jet where a short takeoff is not possible. That's because the F-35B can only do a vertical takeoff while lightly loaded with about 4,500lbs of gas--meaning it wouldn't be carrying a tactically significant payload.

But then neither does the AV-8B Harrier carry a tactically significant payload when that aircraft performs a vertical takeoff. It's the same concept of operations for both jets.

Categories:

 

• Joint Strike Fighter