Which Lightning II variant is STOVL?

Which Lightning II variant is STOVL?

• A. F-35B
• B. F-35A
• C. F-35C
• D. F-35D

Answer: (A)

Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing describes the ability to lift off from a short distance and to land vertically. The Lightning II variant designed for this capability is the F-35B. It carries a lift-producing system that includes a shaft-driven lift fan behind the cockpit and a swiveling rear nozzle. The lift fan provides upward thrust for vertical lift, while the rear exhaust nozzle can deflect downward to enable a vertical landing. When in forward flight, the system transitions to standard jet propulsion for forward thrust, and the lift system is stowed as needed. The other variants are configured for conventional takeoff and landing or carrier operations with catapult launches and arrested landings, not vertical takeoff and landing. There is no production variant designated as a D.

Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing describes the ability to lift off from a short distance and to land vertically. The Lightning II variant designed for this capability is the F-35B. It carries a lift-producing system that includes a shaft-driven lift fan behind the cockpit and a swiveling rear nozzle. The lift fan provides upward thrust for vertical lift, while the rear exhaust nozzle can deflect downward to enable a vertical landing. When in forward flight, the system transitions to standard jet propulsion for forward thrust, and the lift system is stowed as needed.

The other variants are configured for conventional takeoff and landing or carrier operations with catapult launches and arrested landings, not vertical takeoff and landing. There is no production variant designated as a D.