BF-04 STOVL

BF-4 is flown by Dan Levin during Crosswind and Wet Runway testing at Edwards AFB May 6. A team from the F-35 Integrated Test Facility at Patuxent River, Md., will be conducting testing until June 14. The F-35 ITF at Edwards AFB also operates variants BF-17 and BF-18 for its mission systems testing of the STOVL variant. The F-35B will deliver flexibility for operations at damaged airstrips, austere expeditionary operating sites, major bases and afloat on aircraft carriers and smaller amphibious ships. (Photo by Darin Russell/Lockheed Martin)

STOVL F-35 conducts flight testing

Published May 15, 2014
By 412th Test Wing Pubic Affairs and F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35 Lightning II is shown performing Crosswind and Wet Runway testing at Edwards AFB May 6. Pilot Dan Levin and a team from the F-35 Integrated Test Facility at Patuxent River, MD accompanied aircraft BF-4 for the deployment to Edwards April 11. Testing is expected to continue until June 14. The F-35B will be the single strike fighter for the U.S. Marine Corps, replacing both the AV-8B Harrier and F/A-18 Hornet.