As part of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, the Lockheed Martin X-35 concept demonstrator usesd a derivative of the Pratt & Whitney F119 engine. In short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) mode, the engine drives a shaft which turns an Allison lift fan ahead of the center of gravity. Doors above and below the vertically mounted lift fan open before it spins up. The rear lift force and yaw control is provided by a swiveling exhaust nozzle from the engine, similar to that of the Yak-141 (#35). Roll control is provided by two roll nozzles using ducted engine fan bypass air.
As part of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, the Lockheed Martin X-35 concept demonstrator usesd a derivative of the Pratt & Whitney F119 engine. In short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) mode, the engine drives a shaft which turns an Allison lift fan ahead of the center of gravity. Doors above and below the vertically mounted lift fan open before it spins up. The rear lift force and yaw control is provided by a swiveling exhaust nozzle from the engine, similar to that of the Yak-141 (#35). Roll control is provided by two roll nozzles using ducted engine fan bypass air.
The X-35 was selected as the winner of the JSF source selection in October 2001. Lockheed is now developing its operational version of the concept as a supersonic multirole aircraft to replace the Harrier.
June 23, 2001
X-35B JSF:
First hover flight of the Lockheed X-35B (JSF competitor)
June 11, 2008
F-35B Lightning II:
First flight of the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II
October 3, 2011
F-35B Lightning II:
First succesful, ship-board, vertical landing of the F-35B