RAF completes first F-35 vertical landing

Above:
The F-35B completes the RAF's first vertical landing.
Lockheed Martin photo by Dane Wiedmann
Following the flight, Schofield commented on the F-35B’s handling capabilities: “The F-35 has truly revolutionised STOVL flying.
“With legacy types, such as Harrier, the pilot was always working hard to land the aircraft onto a hover pad or ship. Now with F-35B, at the press of a button the aircraft transforms into ‘short take-off or vertical landing’ mode whereupon the aircraft can take off or hover hands-off.
"This means pilots will require less training and operating the aircraft will be much safer than legacy types. It’s a fantastic aircraft to fly.”
The US Marine Corps plans to declare Initial Operational Capability with the STOVL in 2015.