There are reasons why aircraft that do vertical takeoff and landing, and transition to fly like a regular airplane, are few and far between. Hint: it is technically challenging and ridiculously expensive. It is even rarer in fighter jet form. But the crazy thing is, you don’t need billions of dollars to build and pilot the F-35B.
What you need is a 3D printer, a 70 mm EDF unit, and this STL file—a tribute to Lockheed Martin’s engineering marvel, complete with the three-bearing swivel module (3BSM) that makes STOVL flight possible. This isn’t just a static model; it’s a functional celebration of thrust vectoring, lift fan choreography, and the kind of mechanical wizardry that usually lives behind classified hangar doors.
For those who already own the base 3BSM, a variant without the swivel module is available. And if you’re chasing scale and performance, there’s even a 90 mm EDF version waiting in the wings. Whether you’re a maker, a modder, or just someone who respects the rare dance of vertical lift and forward flight, this model brings the F-35B’s legacy within reach—no carrier deck required.
If you are down, Lofted Aero is offering the STL files at US$40 for the 90 mm EDF without 3BSM, while the 3BSM-equipped versions go for US$59 (70 mm) and US$69 (90 mm).
Images: Lofted Aero.
