LakeCumberlandBoaters.com

This video link is fresh (for the public). It was made just six weeks ago in the Atlantic, just off Newport News ( Hampton Roads), Virginia. These are the latest sea trials of the F-35B on the USS Wasp. They were very successful, with 74 vertical landings and STO's in a three week period. The media and the program critics had predicted that it would burn holes in the deck and wash sailors overboard. Neither of which happened. You will notice a sailor standing on the bow of the ship as the jet rotates.

No catapult... No hook.... It’s a new world out there!
The shape and scope of warfare – worldwide – just changed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Ki ... ure=colike

Pretty cool, but pretty much looks like Harrier technology on better chassis.

I think your right. I was amazed, however, about the ability to take off without the catapult. Just a straight take off. Pretty neat.

The Wasp doesn't even have catapults. It's an amphibious assualt ship as opposed to a carrier. They typically carry a mixture of Harrier Jump Jets, Osprey tilt rotars and various rotary wing aircraft.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphibious_assault_ship

Pretty darn slick !!

Now all we need is someone to run this country!