The $100,000,000 F-35B lands like a helicopter and must be seen to be believed
Published on Jan 14, 2026 at 1:12 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jan 13, 2026 at 6:22 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The $100,000,000 Lockheed F-35B Lightning II is an extraordinary aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically like a helicopter.
Replacing the iconic Harrier Jump Jet, the F-35B is a military aircraft currently serving with several countries around the world.
It sounds extraordinary, but footage of it actually happening is something else entirely.
In fact, it appears to defy physics.
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How the Lockheed F-35B Lightning II takes off and lands vertically
There are three versions of the F-35, including the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C.
It is the B version that can perform the vertical takeoff and landing.
The aircraft does this via a shaft-driven lift fan located towards the back of the aircraft.
The fan points downwards at the ground, allowing the thrust from the Pratt & Whitney turbofan to push the aircraft up.
As the engine is angled towards the ground, the F-35B also has the option to take off from short distances.
Fully retracted, the aircraft will then take off like a normal aircraft.
It is a far more complex system than what the British Harrier had.
The Harrier had a single engine mounted in the fuselage, with nozzles directing the thrust to the ground.
Other versions of the F-35 aircraft
The two other versions of the aircraft are the F-35A and F-35C.
The F-35A is the Air Force version of the strike fighter.
This does not have the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, creating a more conventional plane.
The F-35C, meanwhile, also lacks vertical capabilities.
However, it is used by naval forces as it can be catapult-launched from aircraft carriers.
Primary users of the F-35B include the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, as well as the US Marine Corps.
The aircraft has had a troubled past due to regular cost increases and technical issues.
But that hasn’t detracted from what is undoubtedly a mighty impressive aircraft, and a capable one as well.
Air arms around the world are likely to use the F-35 for years to come.
You can watch it in flight here:
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
