Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • RAF completes first F-35 vertical landing

Defence

RAF completes first F-35 vertical landing

Squadron Leader Jim Schofield has become the first Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot to complete a vertical landing of a Lockheed Martin F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) Lightning II.

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.

Advertisement
ODU RT

"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.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

The US Marine Corps plans to declare Initial Operational Capability with the STOVL in 2015.
 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Roke supports British Army

Defence

Roke supports British Army's ARRCADE STRIKE

9 June 2026

Roke has supported the British Army in demonstrating how the country can innovate at a war-time pace through the military exercise ARRCADE STRIKE, which was held at Charring Cross last month (11th-22nd May).

US Army awards contract to iRocket for laser-guided Hydra-70 rockets

Defence

US Army awards contract to iRocket for laser-guided Hydra-70 rockets

9 June 2026

Innovative Rocket Technologies (iRocket) has been selected by US Army PAE Fires / PdM ARSGM for the Hydra-70 Guided Rocket Components contract, valued between $30 million and $150 million, to support the production of systems designed to counter the growing volume of low-cost aerial threats.

NP Aerospace and Dyneema advance armour for military servicewomen

Defence Events

NP Aerospace and Dyneema advance armour for military servicewomen

8 June 2026

Avient Corporation's Dyneema, is supplying its high-performance unidirectional (UD) materials to NP Aerospace, enabling the production of armour systems designed specifically to fit the female body.

Over 300 employers recognised with Defence ERS Silver Award for 2026

Defence

Over 300 employers recognised with Defence ERS Silver Award for 2026

8 June 2026

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that 331 organisations from across the UK have achieved the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2026, recognising their sustained commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Barrow school to launch technical education pathway

Aerospace Defence

Barrow school to launch technical education pathway

8 June 2026

Walney School in Barrow-in-Furness is going to be introducing an innovative employer-led technical education pathway in September, which aims to equip young people with the skills for high-quality careers and to help local employers tackle skills shortages.

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

5 June 2026

Oxfordshire based MGI Engineering has entered into a strategic partnership with Vigilar Group, marking MGI’s expansion into Italy and a significant new phase of growth across Europe.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner