The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 conducted the first-ever ski jump of an F-35B Lightning II short take-off/vertical-landing (STOVL) variant June 19. During flight 298, BAE test pilot Peter Wilson launched aircraft BF-04 from a land-based ski jump located aboard NAS Patuxent River. This test is the first of a series of U.K. ski jump events scheduled for 2015.
VIDEO F-35 Lightning II Ski Jump Launch Takeoff
Melanie aviation journey began at a young age, earning her first pilot certifications while still a teenager, before she ever held a driver’s license! As lead journalist at AIRLIVE.net, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the voice and editorial direction of the website. Her experience spans flight operations, air traffic coordination and emergency incident analysis.
Leave a Comment