The first test version of the F-35B, the STOVL version for the Marines, arrived at the US Navy flight test facility at Patuxent River this weekend.  The aircraft is built with the lift fans that will allow vertical flight, but it is not production representative; it was built specifically for the test program and includes equipment and sensors that will not be in the operational version of the JSF.  Lockheed has yet to deliver any F-35A or C versions, for the Air Force and Navy, respectively, though one AF version flew for the first time last Saturday.

USMC Photo

Unfortunately, a second report simultaneously came out with the DCMA assessing that the F-35 program is woefully over budget and behind schedule.  Government leaders had previously canceled the F-22 and placed a large degree of confidence in the F-35, though it appears the JSF program will be plagued by many of the same “flaws” that undermine many advanced technological acquisitions.