The F-35B has marked another milestone – this time the first launch of the aircraft from a ski-jump ramp.
BAE Systems Test Pilot Pete ‘Wizzer’ Wilson launched the plane from a land-based ski-jump at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland on June 19th.
The launch tests simulate a ski-jump ramp similar to that which will be used on Britain’s new Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, according to The Aviationist.
Ski-jump ramps on aircraft carrier help the launching plane take off with an upward flight path. Italy’s Cavour aircraft carrier is also equipped with a ski-jump and will receive F-35Bs to replace its Harriers.
