F-35B Lightning II

The F-35B Lightning II is a V/STOL stealth fighter manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

Description
The F-35B is a V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take-off/Landing) variant of the original F-35A model. As such, the vertical flight capability comes at the cost of a minor fuel capacity over the -A and -C models. The USCM is currently researching a possible electronic warfare variation of the F-35B aiming to replace the EA-6B Prowler. The -B was first unveiled in mid December 2007, while the maiden flight was in June 2009. As of October 2010, The British Royal Air Force has plans to replace its aging GR7/9 Harrier fleet with the F-35B, while the USMC plans to purchase 340 Lightning IIs to replace it's current F-18 and Harrier II fleets for attack and fighter roles.

The F-35B is expected to enter operational service in the year 2014.

Notable Pilots/Squadrons

 * Bishop (USAF/Assault Horizon