The first F-35B Lightning II STOVL, known as BF-01, was transported by a CH-53K King Stallion helicopter from the United States Marine Corps to MCAS Beaufort Air Base in South Carolina on August 27, 2025, where it will be retired as a static display.
The aircraft, which performed the first vertical landing in 2010 and the first vertical takeoff in 2013 at NAS Patuxent River, was fully demilitarized before transport, with the engine and stabilizers removed and the vertical lift fan sealed. The 888 km transport operation was carefully rehearsed and supported by a second King Stallion helicopter for in-flight refueling.
The BF-01 has had a historic career, accumulating thousands of flight hours and participating in development testing and carrier operations, including the Phase II Development Tests aboard the USS Wasp in 2016. According to the Department of Defense, its permanent display “will inspire future generations of aviators” and marks “a new era for Marine Corps aviation.”
Base commander Colonel Matthew Bagley highlighted the importance of the mission, emphasizing the coordination between teams and the CH-53K’s ability to safely and efficiently perform complex external lifts.
The CH-53K King Stallion, successor to the problematic CH-53E, has already completed other transports of F-35 aircraft as external loads, demonstrating a payload capacity of up to 12,200 kilograms, with expectations to reach 16,300 kg under extreme conditions. Featuring a digital cockpit, more powerful turbines, new transmissions, and rotor, the helicopter represents a significant advancement for Marine Corps heavy-lift squadrons, enabling joint and maritime operations in contested environments.
The full transition to the CH-53K is expected to extend through the 2030s, ensuring greater safety and flexibility in strategic missions.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @USMC | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
#Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, transport an F-35B Lightning II near Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.
The F-35, known as BF-1, was the first F-35 to perform a vertical landing and was transported to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort,… pic.twitter.com/zDHwq364yy
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) August 28, 2025
