UK gets their first JSF

Rolls-Royce has congratulated the UK Ministry of Defence on the delivery of their first F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

“Rolls-Royce offers our sincere congratulations to the UK Ministry of Defence on this important milestone,” Dan Korte, Rolls-Royce, President – Defence, said.

The F-35B Lightning II is the only fighter aircraft in the world to combine Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) technology with supersonic speed and stealth capability.

The STOVL jets, which will also be flown by the US Marine Corps, will allow short deck ship operations or enable fighter capability from austere, forward operating bases.

Rolls-Royce is the only company in the world with the technology to produce the LiftSystem, which comprises a Rolls-Royce LiftFan, Roll Posts and 3-bearing swivel module.

The unique STOVL capability is provided by the F-35B’s propulsion system, pairing a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine and the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem.

In 2012, F-35B STOVL jets have completed more than 200 flights, with more than 130 short takeoffs and 55 vertical landings.

Overall, F-35B STOVL jets have flown approximately 800 flights, with more than 550 short takeoffs and 330 vertical landings.