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The F-35B Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), is currently in service with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as their latest jump-jet. This fifth-generation stealth fighter, developed by Lockheed Martin, represents a significant advancement in aerospace engineering and design. It has been adopted by several US partner nations including the United Kingdom and Australia, with Japan joining as a new operator.
The Marines selected the F-35B for its ability to perform Short Vertical Take-Off and Landing (SVTOL) operations from aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, or forward operating bases. This capability allows the USMC to deploy air power without depending on conventional runways, similar to its predecessor, the AV-8B Harrier II.
The SVTOL feature of the F-35B is achieved through thrust vectoring and lift fan technology. The aircraft uses a lift fan located behind the cockpit along with an aft swiveling engine nozzle to generate enough lift for vertical take-off and landing. "As TWZ reports," said a source, "the F-35B does not utilize afterburners during vertical landings which is an important design feature that conserves fuel and minimizes the thermal signature."
