The Marine’s F-35B is the only version capable of executing vertical landings and short takeoffs, allowing it to operate aboard the Corps’ amphibious ships. To test the craft’s durability, planners and tests pilots conducted the tests in the choppy waters off the coast of San Diego, making the jet navigate the six-foot swells.
Testing will continue for the next three weeks, where the F-35B’s aircraft software, weapons loadout, landing and takeoff abilities will be observed.
Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, the Marine’s deputy commandant for aviation told the Navy website that the jet "is the most versatile, agile, and technologically-advanced aircraft in the skies today, enabling our Corps to be the nation's force in readiness — regardless of the threat, and regardless of the location of the battle," adding, "As we modernize our fixed-wing aviation assets for the future, the continued development and fielding of the short take-off and vertical landing, the F-35B remains the centerpiece of this effort."
