Rolls-Royce LiftFan Adds STOVL Operations to F-35's Capability
The UK opted to partner with the U.S. in developing an STOVL-capable Joint Strike Fighter instead of developing a replacement for the Harrier.
BAE Systems has been using a "ski jump" test facility at the U.S. Naval Air Station Patuxent River to evaluate the STVOL capability of the F-35B in anticipation of its aircraft carrier operations with the UK's Royal Navy. [Photo: Lockheed Martin]
![BAE Systems has been using a "ski jump" test facility at the U.S. Naval Air Station Patuxent River to evaluate the STVOL capability of the F-35B in anticipation of its aircraft carrier operations with the UK's Royal Navy. [Photo: Lockheed Martin]](https://www.ainonline.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,format=webp,quality=95/https://backend.ainonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/fpsc_1200x630/public/uploads/2016/06/f_35_ski_jump_uk.jpg?h=d53e15ca&itok=uKwGJxRN)
