Hobby Master Archive

Lockheed F-35B line number BF-05 first flew on January 27, 2011. This aircraft is the fifth development aircraft and was sent to VX-23 in Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland for further testing and training of personnel. VX-23 is the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (AIRTEVRON TWO THREE) and uses the tail code SD “Salty Dogs”. In August 2013 BF-05 landed on USS Wasp to test short takeoffs and vertical landings. When BF-05 has completed JSF testing, it will be assigned to VMFAT-501 “Warlords” Eglin AFB, Florida.