Watch the U.S. military's next-generation fighter jet float in mid-air

The Pentagon's long-awaited and extremely controversial F-35 fighter jet is the most expensive defense program ever. But finally, we may be starting to find out why the Defense Department has gone through all the trouble:

That's an F-35 hovering like a helicopter, thanks to the aptly-named Rolls Royce "LiftFan" that allows for near-vertical takeoffs. The fighter jet's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, claims the technology will allow "the unique ability to operate from a variety of ships, roads and austere bases near frontline combat zones."

Sounds like something that might come in handy in our current military engagements.

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