The Lockheed F-35 Lighting II was built as all-weather, stealth, multi-role aircraft. Originally known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), the F-35 was designed with the US Air Force, Marines, and Navy in mind. Lockheed has built three different models to accommodate these branches.
The JSF program started as a competition between Boeing's F-32 and Lockheed's F-35. Both aircraft surpassed the DOD's expectations, but the F-35 outperformed the F-32.
Lockheed F-35A Lighting II
The F-35A is built for the Air Force with conventional take-offs and landings. The F-35A will replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon starting in 2013 with the 388th at Hill AFB and replace the A-10 in 2028.
The F-35B is built for the Marines with short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities. The F-35B will replace the Marines' F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier II, and EA-6B Prowler starting in 2013.
The F-35C is built for the Navy with carrier capabilities like folding wings, stronger landing gear, and bigger wing area. The F-35C will replace the F/A-18 Hornet starting in 2015. (The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet will still be in service.)
The F-35 is armed with a GAU-22/A 25mm cannon and can carry 15,000 lbs of ordinance
Computer Animation of F-35B
Specifications
Powerplant..................1 x Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburning turbofan
Lifting Fan (B model Only).......1 x Rolls-Royce LiftSystem driven by F135
Length..........................50 ft 6 in
Height..........................17 ft 4 in
Wing Span...................35 ft 0 in
Maximum Speed........1,200 mph
Maximum Range........900-1,400 nautical miles
Service Ceiling.............Currently Unknown
3 comments:
Thanks for following through with my request. This is a pretty cool plane!
This aircraft (X-35 really)holds the record for the only short takeoff, level flight at Mach 1 and a vertical landing - all in the same flight. Oh yeah - the pilot was a MARINE!!!
And did I mention that it did it back in 2001!
Did you know it has always been a dream of mine to fly in an F-16? Everytime I see a fighter jet fly overhead, I get all goose-bumpy. I guess I could settle for a ride in an F-35
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