US Navy test pilot Lt. Christopher Tabert flies F-35B aircraft BF-3 with inert AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles on the outer wing stations on 19 September 2012 over the Atlantic Test Range near NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. The test flight evaluated airplane structural loads and flying qualities during maneuvering flight. The F-35B is the variant of the Lightning II multirole fighter designed for use by US Marine Corps, as well as F-35 international partners United Kingdom and Italy. The F-35B is undergoing test and evaluation at Pax River prior to delivery to the fleet.
