Lightning on Deck

The F-35B makes its first vertical landing at sea

F-35B_Lightning_II_aircraft_USS_Wasp.jpg
Harder than parallel parking.

The Marine Corps version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is undergoing sea trials this week and next, and already has chalked up a milestone: the first vertical landing of the F-35B at sea.

Marine test pilot Lt. Col. Fred Schenk was at the controls on Monday for the landing on the deck of the USS Wasp.  Observe:

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