Fifth F-35B test aircraft returns to Patuxent River

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The F-35B test aircraft BF-5 returned to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., on June 26 after a planned modification period in Fort Worth, Texas. BF-5 fills the complement of five F-35B test aircraft at NAS Patuxent River. The F-35B is the variant of the Joint Strike Fighter for the U.S. Marine Corps and international partners, 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.