Night vertical landings? Check

Marine Corps test pilot Lt. Col. Russell Clift last week performed the first F-35B night-time vertical landing aboard the USS Wasp. As of August 18, the two F-35Bs, BF-1 and BF-5, participating in developmental testing had completed 40 short takeoffs and 41 vertical landings. At the conclusion of the testing it's expected the Navy and Marine Corps will have sufficient data to support certification for future F-35B shipboard operations in anticipation of initial operating capability in 2015. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 08/20/13) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center.