Two F-35B variant aircraft flew in close formation while in the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) mode for the first time last week, prime contractor Lockheed Martin said Wednesday in a statement. Pilots Peter Wilson and Dan Levin flew the test jets in STOVL mode with the F-35B liftfan engaged and the engine rotated downward. The mission measured the effects the aircraft had on each other while in STOVL mode to ensure they can operate in formation safely in an operational…
