F-35B with AIM-9X

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Navy test pilot Lt. Christopher Tabert flies F-35B aircraft BF-3 with inert AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles Sept. 19 over the Atlantic Test Ranges. The test flight evaluated airplane structural loads and flying qualities during maneuvering flight. The F-35B is the variant of the Joint Strike Fighter designed for use by U.S. Marine Corps, as well as F-35 international partners in the United Kingdom and Italy. The F-35B is capable of short take-offs and vertical landings to enable air power projection from amphibious ships, ski-jump aircraft carriers and expeditionary airfields. The F-35B is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River, Md., prior to delivery to the fleet.

F-35 test pilots Marine Corps Maj. C. R. Clift and Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Burks fly two F-35B flight test aircraft (designated BF-2 and BF-4) during the first formation flying qualities test of the short takeoff/vertical landing variant of the F-35 over the Atlantic Test Range on 22 August 2012. The F-35B is one of the two F-35 variants that will be flown by US Marine Corps. The United Kingdom and Italy will also fly the F-35B.