F-35B performs first takeoff from amphib

A Marine Corps F-35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft performed the first short takeoff from an amphibious assault ship early Tuesday.

Piloted by Marine Lt. Col. Fred Shenk, BF-2 lifted from the deck of the amphib Wasp at 8:45 a.m., Joint Strike Fighter Program Office officials confirmed.

The F-35B will conduct 67 takeoffs and landings at sea over the next two weeks as part of its initial sea trials. However, Wasp is available to the program for six weeks if needed.

Eventually, the Corps hopes to buy 340 F-35B aircraft along with 80 F-35C carrier variant jets.