With the maturing of the combat systems on the F-35 demonstrated in the maneuver warfare from the sea Bold Alligator 2012 exercise, and the weapons testing about to begin, the F-35 is ready for ramped up production. 4 a month will be produced this summer. There will be little excuse to go backwards when the initial combat systems can be combined with weapons in an advanced “flying combat system.”
![BF-02_External_Weapons_Image_1](https://www.sldinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/BF-02_External_Weapons_Image_1-200x300.jpg)
Here photos are provided of recent F-35B activities.
F-35 Test Team Completes First External Stores Testing on F-35B
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Over an Atlantic test range, Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Levin flies F-35B test aircraft BF-2 with externa l weapons pylons for the first time Feb. 22. The test measured flying qualities with external pylons, inert AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and centerline 25 mm gun pod. Significant weapons testing for the F-35B and F-35C variants is scheduled for 2012, including fit checks, captive carriage, pit drop and aerial drop tests.
The F-35B is the variant of the Joint Strike Fighter for the U.S. Marine Corps, capable of short take-offs and vertical landings for use on amphibious ships or expeditionary airfields to provide air power to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The F-35B is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet. (Photos courtesy Lockheed Martin)
Victor Chen, (301) 757-2211, PEO(JSF) Public Affairs
![BF-02_External_Weapons_Image_2](https://www.sldinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/BF-02_External_Weapons_Image_2-300x200.jpg)