Defense Media Network

First F-35B Night Vertical Landing

Lockheed Martin recently released this video of the first F-35B night vertical landing. For those who have seen night vision equipment imagery of Harriers performing vertical landings, this is an interesting contrast with respect to the heat emitted from the jet and lift fan exhausts. The Harrier’s four nozzles each show a prominent heat signature, so it is strange, with the F-35B, to only see the hot exhaust plume emerging from the engine’s swiveling exhaust nozzle and no sign of the cool lift fan exhaust.