Tri-Service
Lightning Strikes On Exercise Steel Knight
The F-35B Lightning II - the next generation fighter destined for the decks of Britain's new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers - has carried out its first expeditionary test in America.
The Lightning II is similar to the Harrier in that it hovers, but otherwise a world away in terms of capability.
During Exercise Steel Knight it used its vertical landing capabilities to re-fuel at a makeshift landing zone in California.
US Department of Defense cameras were there (above).
More from Forces TV: F-35B Lightning II First Vertical Landing
A video was released in May of Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel at sea onboard USS WASP, joining American colleagues in the latest F-35B Lightning II fast jet trials.
Check out the footage below...
Specifications...
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney F-135-600
- Thrust: 40,000lbs
- Max speed: 1.6Mach
- Length: 15.6m
- Max altitude: 50,000ft
- Span: 10.7m
- Aircrew: 1
- Armament: Paveway IV, AMRAAM, ASRAAM
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