The second round of testing under Phase 2 test programme of F-35B has begun at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River to expand the aircraft's ski-jump envelope. The trials are being carried out on a land-based ski-ramp and includes launches with external stores, increased crosswind conditions, and take offs at a range of different speeds.

The programme started in June to support testing for the United Kingdom in advance of First of Class Flight Trials (FOCFT) on the UK Royal Navy (RN) carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. The vessel features a 12.5-degree ski-ramp on the bow improving F-35B's payload radius.