[4] The lifting/propulsion system with its Three Bearing Swivel Duct Nozzle (3BSD) most closely resembles plans for the Convair Model 200 Sea Control Fighter of 1973 than the preceding generation of STOVL designs to which the Harrier belongs.

Paul Bevilaqua,[7] Chief Engineer of Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Projects (Skunk Works), invented the lift fan propulsion system.

[10] The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) awarded General Electric and Rolls-Royce a $2.1 billion contract to jointly develop the F136 engine as an alternative to the F135.

[11] Rolls-Royce managed the overall development and integration program in Bristol, UK, and was also responsible for the LiftFan turbomachinery, 3BSM and Roll Post designs.

The Rolls-Royce LiftSystem comprises four major components:[3] The three-bearing swivel module (3BSM) is a thrust vectoring nozzle at the rear of the aircraft which directs engine exhaust to pass either straight through with reheat capability for forward flight, or to be deflected downward to provide lift.

The fan airflow (low-velocity unheated air) leaves through thrust-vectoring vanes on the underside of the aircraft, and balances the lift from the rear nozzle.

The "fueldraulic" actuators for the 3BSM use fuel pressurised to 3,500 pounds-force per square inch (24,000 kPa; 250 kgf/cm2), rather than hydraulic fluid, to reduce weight and complexity.

On 18 March 2010, a STOVL equipped F-35B performed a vertical hover and landing demonstration at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, MD.

[27] In 2001, the LiftSystem propulsion system was awarded the Collier Trophy,[28] in recognition of "the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America", specifically for "improving the performance, efficiency and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.