F135 short-takeoff/vertical-landing (STOVL) propulsion system powered the F-35B Lightning II’s first flight test today in Fort Worth, Texas. The successful flight took place at 11:17 a.m. and lasted for approximately 51 minutes.

Test pilot Graham Tomlinson a former Royal Air Force Harrier pilot now employed by BAE Systems, performed a conventional takeoff at 10:17 a.m. CDT from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility. As planned, all initial F-35B flights will be made using conventional takeoffs and landings, with transitions to short takeoffs, hovers and vertical landings beginning early next year. Tomlinson guided the jet to 15,000 feet and performed a series of handling tests, engine-power variations and subsystems checks before landing at 11:01 a.m. CDT.

On May 25, Pratt & Whitney completed STOVL ground tests demonstrating the aircraft’s ability to convert between horizontal and vertical flight. On May 14, Pratt & Whitney received a statement of qualification for the F135 STOVL propulsion system from the F-35 Joint Program Office, which certifies the F135-PW-600 STOVL propulsion system for flight operations. The F135 has previously completed sea level testing and accelerated mission testing for endurance and durability qualification.

The F135 engine has exceeded 9,900 test hours in the system development and demonstration ground test program and the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) engine continues to power the F-35 Lightning II flight test program with 43 flights and more than 51 flight test hours to date.

The F-35B will be the first of the three Lightning II variants to achieve Initial Operational Capability, beginning with the Marines in 2012. The STOVL variant also will be used by the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and Italy’s Air Force and Navy.