A video released by C-Span, a US cable and satellite television network, shows a US Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet deploying its landing gear and decelerating on 4/7, then hovering near the Washington Monument on the National Mall. This display was part of the activities marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The F-35B rotated to the right, then turned back to its initial direction, continuing to hover. It then performed a rotation to the left before retracting its landing gear and flying away.
The F-35B performed a hover maneuver in Washington, D.C., on 4/7. Video: C-Span
The F-35B is a variant developed for the US Marine Corps, known for its short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capability. This allows it to operate from amphibious assault ships with smaller flight decks compared to conventional aircraft carriers. Beyond the US Marine Corps, several US allies have also ordered and are operating the F-35B.
The F-35B fighter utilizes a large lift fan installed directly behind the cockpit, connected to the main engine via a drive shaft. When the hover mode is activated, a cover on the F-35B's back opens for the fan to draw air and generate lift. This combines with an engine exhaust nozzle that can rotate down at a 95-degree angle to maintain aircraft balance.
The F-35B's STOVL mechanism is based on the design of the Soviet-era Yakolev Yak-141 fighter jet, which Lockheed Martin acquired from Russia for 400 million USD in 1991.
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An illustration of the F-35B's internal design. Graphic: Telegraph
Keeping the F-35B fighter jet airborne in a hover requires the turbofan engine to operate at maximum power, generating an extremely high-temperature exhaust plume. The hot exhaust stream from the F-35B fighter is capable of melting standard airport runway surfaces and deforming unreinforced naval ship decks.
Hovering consumes a significant amount of fuel, limiting F-35B aircraft to only a few minutes in this state. The bulky STOVL system also results in the F-35B having inferior range and maneuverability compared to the air force F-35A and navy F-35C variants.
Furthermore, the F-35B fighter cannot hover if carrying a full weapon load, as the aircraft's weight then exceeds the total vertical thrust. Before performing a vertical landing, the aircraft typically needs to dump fuel or release unused weapons to reduce its weight.
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Fireworks on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on 4/7. Photo: AP
Across the US, people celebrated Independence Day with parades, concerts, fireworks, and numerous patriotic events. However, severe thunderstorms and record heat disrupted festive activities in some cities, forcing organizers to delay, adjust, or cancel some events.
In a speech at the celebration, President Trump affirmed that the US was "more proud than ever" during his term.
Pham Giang (According to Wion, AFP, Reuters)
