Why the Marines Built the F 35B Around a Vertical Landing

F-35B engineering begins with a demanding requirement: short takeoffs and vertical landings from amphibious ships and prepared expeditionary sites. This documentary examines the LiftFan, the rotating exhaust nozzle, and the design choices that distinguish the B from the F-35A and F-35C. Understand how vertical recovery shapes internal fuel capacity, landing weight, deck compatibility, and aviation logistics. The film follows the trade between permanent onboard machinery and more options for where the Marines can operate.