DefenceTalkLast Wednesday, Aug. 14, U.S. Marine Corps test pilot Lt. Col. Russell Clift performed the first F-35B night-time vertical landing aboard the USS WASP. During the Ship Suitability Sea Trials, also known as Developmental Test Phase Two (DT-II), the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant will demonstrate critical capabilities of the aircraft that will be […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35b-accomplishes-first-night-vertical-landing-aboard-uss-wasp-48835/

DefenceTalkThe Lockheed Martin F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft completed its 500th vertical landing August 3. BF-1, the aircraft which completed this achievement, also accomplished the variant’s first vertical landing in March 2010 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. Next week, Sea Trials, known as Developmental Test 2 (DT-2) are scheduled to begin for […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35b-ready-for-sea-trials-48705/

DefenceTalkF-35B flight clearance was restored February 12, rescinding a cautionary suspension issued January 18 after a fueldraulic hose failure. Government and industry engineering teams conducted a root cause investigation and determined the hose was improperly crimped. All affected hoses have been inspected, and those out of tolerances will be replaced. The hose enables actuator movement […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35b-resumes-flight-operations-46802/

DefenceTalkGovernment and industry engineering teams investigating the origins of a failed propulsion fueldraulic line on an F-35B Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant have identified the probable cause and are developing a return to flight plan to lift the suspension of flight operations. The root cause investigation ruled out any design or maintenance issues. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/root-cause-determination-on-f-35b-flight-operations-suspension-46582/