The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.
Lockheed Martin F-35B c/n BF-05 first flew on January 26, 2011. In July 2011 the aircraft went to NAS Patuxent River and began evaluations by VX-23, the USN fighter test center. During August 2013 the aircraft went for Developmental Test Phase II onboard USS Wasp. In September 2014 BF-05 would undergo testing at Eglin AFB’s Climatic Lab. In 2016 BF-05 deployed on USS America for DT-III and Operational Testing. September 25, 2018 piloted by Cdr. Nathan Gray BF-05 made its first landing and take off from the carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.