Afterburner of an F-119 engine from the Lockheed Martin X-35 (photo)

The Museum's Lockheed Martin X-35 is the prototype for the new F-35. It was originally the X-35A and was modified to include the lift-fan engine for testing of the STOVL concept. Among its many test records, this aircraft was the first in history to achieve a short takeoff, level supersonic dash, and vertical landing in a single flight. It is also the first aircraft to fly using a shaft-driven lift-fan propulsion system. The X-35B flight test program was one of the shortest, most effective in history, lasting from June 23, 2001 to August 6, 2001. This photo is the afterburner section of the F-119 engine that powers the X-35B.