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"NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md., Feb. 23, 2012 - Over an Atlantic test range, Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Levin flies F-35B test aircraft BF-2 with external weapons pylons for the first time yesterday. The test measured flying qualities with external pylons, inert AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and centerline 25 mm gun pod. Significant weapons testing for the F-35B and F-35C varaints is scheduled for 2012, including fit checks, captive carriage, pit drop and aerial drop tests. (Lockheed Martin photo by Michael D. Jackson)"

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The first F-35B test flight with external weapons was carried out on 22 February 2012 at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division test facility at NAS Patuxent River Maryland. The test mission, flown by Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Levin, measured flying qualities with external pylons, inert AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and the removable centerline 25mm gun pod. The four-barrel GAU-22/A Gatlin-type gun, built by General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, is a derivative of the currently fielded GAU-12/U Equalizer. The missionized gun system designed for the F-35B and F-35C includes the F-35A-common GAU-22/A gun, a gun system control unit, and drive assembly. A helical linear linkless ammunition feed system is also contained in the pod. (Photo by Michael D. Jackson)

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NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (Feb. 22, 2012) Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Levin flies F-35B test aircraft BF-2 with external weapons pylons for the first time. The test measured flying qualities with external pylons, inert AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and centerline 25 mm gun pod. The F-35B is the U.S. Marine Corps variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings for use on amphibious ships or expeditionary airfields to provide air power to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The F-35B is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River before delivery to the fleet. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin by Andy Wolfe/Released)