Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, congratulated the entire Joint Strike Fighter program for the dedication and hard work that has led to the lifting of probationary status for the F-35B Lightning II.

The F-35B offers critical Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capability to the US Marine Corps. The STOVL capability is provided by the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem®, a unique, advanced technology from Rolls-Royce -- the only company in the world to produce vertical-lift capability for fighter aircraft.

Dan Korte, Rolls-Royce President - Defence, said: “We are delighted that the STOVL program has been taken off probation. Hearing this announcement today is a vindication of all the hard work by the team in realizing the capability of this unique system.

“We offer our congratulations to the entire Joint Strike Fighter program for this key development, including the US Marine Corps, Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, who have all worked so hard to ensure the success of the STOVL program. This key step signifies a bright and solid future for the program.”

The Rolls-Royce LiftSystem comprises a Rolls-Royce LiftFan®, Roll Posts and 3-Bearing Swivel Module. Rolls-Royce is a subcontractor to Pratt & Whitney, which manufactures the F135 engine for the Joint Strike Fighter program.

In 2011, the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem proved successful in the first ship-borne landings on the USS Wasp, as well as completing 268 vertical landings overall.

The first three production F-35B aircraft were delivered to Eglin Air Force Base in the US in January this year in preparation for the start of pilot training.