The F-35 Lightning II is planned to be the world's premier strike aircraft through the year 2040. It is produced by Lockheed-Martin.
The F-35 Lightning II is being developed as a replacement for a number of aging aircraft. It will see action with the most modern aircraft of the era.
The F-35 Lightning II is being produced in three models: A conventional land based version for the USAF designated the model A, a STOVL (short take-off vertical landing) version for the USMC, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy designated the model B, and a carrier-based version for the U. S. Navy designated the model C.
Both Lockheed-Martin and Boeing produced prototypes of the aircraft. Lockheed-Martin's version of the F-35 Lightning II was the winner of the contract primarily because they produced an aircraft that was superior in STOVL performance.
Their F-35 Lightning II aircraft incorporated a LiftFan driven from the aircraft engine, as opposed to Boeing's direct lift system, similar to that on a Harrier. The combination of thrust vectoring and the LiftFan produced more vertical thrust than the Boeing aircraft, improving maneuverability. Another benefit was lowering of the amount of heat beneath the aircraft during vertical landings, a great benefit on the deck of an aircraft carrier.
The USMC, U.K. Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy F-35 Lightning II model B has short take off vertical landing (STOVL) capability that uses a shaft-driven lift fan propulsion system.
The STOVL F-35 Lightning II model shares all the electronic gear of the USAF model, except that there is an additional lever for level and STVOL flight. The STOVL model that will replace the Harrier and will fly at supersonic speeds, has double the range on internal fuel, and has internal weapons
The F-35 Lightning II model C is a version of the basic aircraft with modifications to adapt it to aircraft carrier operations. It will be the Navy's first stealth aircraft. Other features are common with the other models.
The F-35 Lightning II engineers all its weapons systems in a single program, rather than having separate systems for different users. It is designed with an open systems architecture so changes and improvements may be incorporated more easily, keeping costs down.
An Integrated Management Framework (IMF) computing software management system enables F-35 Lightning II associates to review the status of every system anywhere in the world through the Internet.
Over 80 percent of all parts are the same on all aircraft models.
Critical software is common to all three models.
The F-35 Lightning II has its share of critics, particularly regarding its low maximum speed, prominent radar signature for a stealth aircraft, lack of maneuverability due to a high wing loading, small internal payload, necessary when operating in stealth mode, and vulnerability when operating as a ground support aircraft.
The USAF answers by telling us that the F-35 Lightning II is not designed for air superiority. They believe that it is superior in the capacity of a multi-role fighter aircraft.
The aircraft achieves this through its sensor suite and advanced radar system. According to the USAF, these systems enable the aircraft to monitor air and ground threats simultaneously while well beyond the range of competing systems.
The USAF says the stealth capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II are optimized for head on attack. In addition to a minimal radar signature, the aircraft is also optimized for minimal infrared emissions. Overall, the Air Force believes that the aircraft is its most stealthy yet when it comes to the evasion of threats from other aircraft or surface to air missiles.
It is intended that the F-35 Lightning II will eventually be able to carry the most modern ordnance available. The USAF points out that when the aircraft does not have to operate in a stealth mode, the amount of ordnance carried outside the aircraft will make it a formidable adversary.
Currently the aircraft can only carry a maximum of four air to air missiles internally. However, the USAF is looking into the possibility of doubling the internal missile carrying capacity of the aircraft.
The USAF argues that maximum air speed is a very small factor when considering the overall performance of an aircraft. They tell us that the F-35 Lightning II exhibits a high degree of stability and can nearly match the acceleration of today's most modern fighters at sub sonic speeds, but is not able to react as quickly. At its maximum speed, we are told that maneuverability of the aircraft “can almost match” that of the Fighting Falcon.
The USAF intends to use the F-35 Lightning II at high altitudes to provide ground support. It will gather intelligence about battlefield conditions which will be sent in real time to ground troops. The aircraft will conduct these operations in stealth mode in order to avoid surface to air missiles.
When flying over enemy territory, up to eight F-35 Lightning II aircraft would operate in support of each other. Each aircraft would be equipped for a specific duty, such as intelligence gathering, electronic counter measures, air to air defense, and ground attack.
The USAF believes that the overall capabilities of F-35 Lightning II aircraft working in tandem will more than make up for its lack of abilities operating separately.
Lockheed Martin estimates that production of F-35 Lightning II
model aircraft at their highly automated Fort Worth facility will be
about 230 aircraft a year, starting in 2016. Aircraft have not been
built in the United States in such large quantities as quickly since
World War II.
It is anticipated that a total of over 4,000 F-35 Lightning II aircraft of all models will be produced. The United States should order some 2,500 F-35 Lightning II aircraft with an additional 1,500 aircraft slated for sales overseas.
