Agree. Vertical takeoff with a full ordnance load would result in a very significant reduction in the amount of fuel that can be carried. Hence the short forward roll to lift off. The rear exhaust nozzle is partially deflected downward at lift off. You can see the doors below it are open in the photo but the nozzle itself is not visible.
Thx. I saw the doors and figured a partial rotation. To be honest, I never thought the F35B would make it to production. I thought the STOVL concept would limit too much in payload and range, but I knew that it was a USMC priority.