Navy test pilot Lt. Christopher Tabert taxis BF-18, a production-level F-35B variant of the Lightning II, after arrival Nov. 8. BF-18 temporarily adds to the complement of F-35B and F-35C test aircraft at the F-35 Integrated Test Facility before heading to its ultimate destination of Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The F-35B is the variant of the Lightning II designed for use by the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as F-35 international partners in the United Kingdom and Italy. The F-35B is capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings to enable air power projection from amphibious ships, ski-jump aircraft carriers and expeditionary airfields. The F-35B is undergoing flight test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River, Md., and Edwards Air Force Base prior to delivery to the fleet. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

NAVAIR press release