F-35B

The second production model F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft to be delivered, BF-8, arrives at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. on Jan. 11, 2012. BF-8 was delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 at Eglin. BF-8 followed the first production model STOVL, BF-6, which was delivered earlier the same day. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

F-35B

The first F-35B production aircraft, known as BF-6, takes off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base for delivery on Jan. 11, 2012. The aircraft was headed the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 stationed with the 33d Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

F-35B

BF-6, the first F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) production jet delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps, arrives at its new assignment with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 at Eglin AFB, Fla. The 5th Generation fighter jet, piloted by U.S. Marine Corps pilot Maj. Joseph Bachmann, touched down on Florida’s Emerald Coast at 3:13 p.m. CST after a 90-minute ferry flight. It was followed by BF-8, which landed at 4:39 p.m. CST piloted by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Matt Taylor. BF-6 and BF-8 are the first F-35s delivered to the base in 2012 and the seventh and eighth F-35 now stationed there. The aircraft will be used for pilot and maintainer training at the base’s new F-35 Integrated Training Center. (photo by Angel DelCueto)