First Production Model F-35B Arrives at Pax River

Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

BF-17, part of the third lot of Low Rate Initial Production F-35B Lightning II aircraft, arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland Oct. 4.

BF-17 will temporarily add to the complement of F-35B and F-35C test aircraft at the F-35 Integrated Test Facility before heading to its destination at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

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 Pax River prior to delivery to the fleet.

Source: PEO(JSF) Public Affairs