Stilton
If GtE will permit such thread drift.
I made no input to the F35B design.
I was asked my opinion about flight test matters re the X35B.
Personally I do not agree with asking for a supersonic level flight capability with a tactical aircraft because doing so will compromise and complicate very many aspects of the design.
However, if the customer insists on supersonics then I am sure there is no better way to do it than with a shaft mounted fan holding up the front end.
JF