A Lockheed Martin F-35B completed the first-ever vertical takeoff at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. on May 10, 2013. Vertical takeoffs are one of the many fielding requirements necessary for the F-35B. Vertical takeoffs are not a combat maneuver, but are needed capabilities so that the F-35B can be positioned in environments where the F-35B cannot perform a short takeoff.