Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine stealth multirole fighter designed for ground-attack and air-superiority missions. It is the most advanced fighter jet in production today, serving multiple branches of the U.S. military and allied nations.
Key Variants
F-35A (CTOL - Conventional Takeoff and Landing)
- Standard U.S. Air Force version
- Internal 25mm GAU-22/A cannon
- Range: ~1,200 nautical miles (with internal fuel)
- Operational since 2016
F-35B (STOVL - Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing)
- Used by U.S. Marine Corps, UK, Italy, Japan
- LiftFan system enables vertical landings
- Slightly reduced fuel and weapons capacity
- Operational since 2015
F-35C (CATOBAR - Carrier-Based)
- U.S. Navy version for aircraft carriers
- Larger wings for slower landing speeds
- Strengthened landing gear
- Operational since 2019
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Length: 51.4 ft (15.7 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft (10.7 m)
- Height: 14.4 ft (4.4 m)
Performance
- Max Speed: Mach 1.6 (~1,200 mph)
- Range: 1,200 nmi (A variant)
- Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft
Powerplant
- Engine: Pratt & Whitney F135
- Thrust: 43,000 lbf (with afterburner)
- Future: GE XA100 adaptive engine
Stealth & Avionics
The F-35 incorporates advanced stealth technology with radar-absorbent materials and internal weapons bays. Its sensor fusion combines data from:
- AN/APG-81 AESA Radar - Tracks multiple targets simultaneously
- Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) - Infrared and laser targeting
- Distributed Aperture System (DAS) - 360° missile warning
- Helmet-Mounted Display - Projects data onto pilot's visor
Armament
| Weapon Type | Internal Bay | External Hardpoints |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-Air | AIM-120 AMRAAM | AIM-9X Sidewinder |
| Air-to-Ground | GBU-12/32 JDAMs | AGM-158 JASSM |
| Other | AGM-154 JSOW | Paveway IV (UK) |
Global Operators
The F-35 program includes 17 partner nations with over 990 aircraft delivered as of 2023:
- Primary: United States (All branches)
- NATO: UK, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark
- Pacific: Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore
- Middle East: Israel, UAE (planned)
Future Development
The F-35 is expected to serve until 2070 with ongoing upgrades:
- Block 4 Modernization: Improved radar, electronic warfare, and weapons capacity
- Loyal Wingman: Control of autonomous drones (XQ-58 Valkyrie)
- Engine Upgrades: Adaptive cycle engines for better efficiency