The first testing of the F-35B STOVL variant’s vertical lifting system was stationary engagement with the landing gear affixed to a special harness. The “Hover Pit” tests involved going through the entire process of an actual vertical landing but while still on the ground in case of a malfunction. The first hover pit testing of the Lockheed Martin model JSF came in March of 2001, while still in competition with Boeing’s X-32. The test was a success, defeating critics who questioned the strength of the lift fan. Lockheed in partnership with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems would make over 100 more Hover Pit tests before the first flight of short take off (<500 ft.), supersonic flight, and completely vertical landing late that summer. This 
overwhelmingly great performance at that point in the testing phase along with the success of the other Lockheed variants would go on to win the JSF competition, announced on October 26, 2001. Since then, the production model has had to repeat the testing and has produced more than enough thrust to complete a safe vertical landing in tests at Lockheed’s Ft. Worth facility. Hover Pit testing was heaviest in 2009 leading to the first in-flight engagement of the vertical landing systems in the first week of 2010 with the first vertical landing on March 18.
Le F35
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