First STOVL F-35 makes first flight

History was made today when the world's first production aircraft that combines stealth, supersonic speed, and STOVL capabilities made its first flight in Fort Worth today. The Lockheed Martin F-35B piloted by Graham Tomlinson made a conventional takeoff and landing today, but the first production F-35B (known as BF-1) will make the transition to short takeoffs, hovers, and vertical landings next year as it becomes the second F-35 to join the test fleet. The first, an F-35A, has only conventional takeoff capabilities as required by its main customer, the US Air Force. The F-35B, will make full use of its Short TakeOff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) abilities when it enters service with the United States Marine Corp, and both the United Kingdom's and Italy's Air Force and Navy forces. The flight took place only a few weeks after the aircraft successfully completed its first hover pit test. Although it was only a 45 minute flight, it was a huge milestone for the advance war fighter that is scheduled to enter service with the Marines in 2012.

For a little more information on how this bad boy will hover, check out what Lockheed is saying about it:

Though nearly identical in appearance to the F-35A, the F-35B incorporates a counter-rotating shaft-driven lift fan positioned directly behind the cockpit. The lift fan, produced by Rolls-Royce, is turned by a drive shaft from the F-35’s massively powerful single engine, which features a swiveling rear exhaust nozzle that vectors thrust downward during vertical flight. The lift fan, engine and stabilizing roll ducts beneath the F-35B’s wings combine to produce 40,000 pounds of lifting force. Converting the F-35B from STOVL to conventional flight and vice-versa requires only the push of a button by the pilot.

Where can I get one?

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