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An F-35C Lightning II, marked CF-1, conducts a test flight over the Chesapeake Bay in February 2011 Role National origin Manufacturer First flight Introduction Status Primaryusers Stealth multirole fighter United States Lockheed Martin Aeronautics 15 December 2006 After 2016
[1] [2]
In initial production and testing, used for training by U.S. United States Air Force United States Marine Corps United States Navy Royal Air Force 2006present 63
[3] [4][5]
F-35A: US$107million (sans engine, 5th LRIP) [6] F-35B: US$237.7M (weap. sys. cost, 2012) [6] F-35C: US$236.8M (weap. sys. cost, 2012) Lockheed Martin X-35
Developed from
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability.[7][8] The F-35 has three main models; the F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing variant, the F-35B is a short take-off and vertical-landing variant, and the F-35C is a carrier-based variant. The F-35 is descended from the X-35, the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. JSF development is being principally funded by the United States. The partner nations are either NATO members or close U.S. allies. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin. The F-35 carried out its first flight on 15 December 2006.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II The United States plans to buy a total of 2,443 aircraft to provide the bulk of its tactical airpower for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy over the coming decades. The United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and Turkey are part of the development program; Israel, Singapore and Japan may also equip their air services with the F-35.[9][10][11][12][13][14][15]
Development
JSF Program requirements and selection
The JSF program was designed to replace the United States military F-16, A-10, F/A-18 (excluding newer E/F "Super Hornet" variants) and AV-8B tactical fighter aircraft. To keep development, production, and operating costs down, a common design was planned in three variants that share 80 percent of their parts: F-35A, conventional take off and landing (CTOL) variant. F-35B, short-take off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant. F-35C, carrier-based CATOBAR (CV) variant. George Standridge of Lockheed Martin predicted in 2006 that the F-35 will be four times more effective than legacy fighters in air-to-air combat, eight times more effective in air-to-ground combat, and three times more effective in reconnaissance and suppression of air defenses while having better range and requiring less logistics support and having around the same procurement costs (if development costs are ignored) as legacy fighters.[16] The design goals call for the F-35 to be the premier strike aircraft through 2040 and be second only to the F-22 Raptor in air superiority.[17]
An F-35 wind tunnel testing model in the Arnold Engineering Development Center's 16-foot The JSF development contract was signed on 16 November 1996, and transonic wind tunnel the contract for System Development and Demonstration (SDD) was awarded on 26 October 2001 to Lockheed Martin, whose X-35 beat the Boeing X-32. Although both aircraft met or exceeded requirements, the X-35 design was considered to have less risk and more growth potential.[18] The designation of the new fighter as "F-35" is out-of-sequence with standard DoD aircraft numbering,[19] by which it should have been "F-24". It came as a surprise even to Lockheed, which had been referring to the aircraft in-house by this expected designation.[20]
The development of the F-35 is unusual for a fighter aircraft in that no two-seat trainer versions have been built for any of the variants; advanced flight simulators mean that no trainer versions were deemed necessary.[21] Instead F-16s have been used as bridge trainers between the T-38 and the F-35. The T-X was intended to be used to train future F-35 pilots, but this might succumb to budget pressures in the USAF.[22]
Design phase
Based on wind tunnel testing, Lockheed Martin slightly enlarged its X-35 design into the F-35. The forward fuselage is 5 inches (130mm) longer to make room for avionics. Correspondingly, the horizontal stabilators were moved 2 inches (51mm) rearward to retain balance and control. The top surface of the fuselage was raised by 1 inch (25mm) along the center line. Also, it was decided to increase the size of the F-35B STOVL variant's weapons bay to be common with the other two variants.[18] Manufacturing of parts for the first F-35 prototype airframe began in November 2003.[23] The F-35B STOVL variant was in danger of missing performance requirements in 2004 because it weighed too much; reportedly, by 2,200lb (1,000kg) or 8percent. In response, Lockheed Martin added engine thrust and thinned airframe members; reduced the size of the common weapons bay and vertical stabilizers; re-routed some thrust from
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II the roll-post outlets to the main nozzle; and redesigned the wing-mate joint, portions of the electrical system, and the portion of the aircraft immediately behind the cockpit.[24] Many of the changes were applied to all three variants to maintain high levels of commonality. By September 2004, the weight reduction effort had reduced the aircraft's design weight by 2,700 pounds (1,200kg).[25] but the redesign cost $6.2 billion and delayed the project by 18 months.[26] On 7 July 2006, the U.S. Air Force officially announced the name of the F-35: Lightning II, in honor of Lockheed's World War II-era twin-prop Lockheed P-38 Lightning and the Cold War-era jet, the English Electric Lightning.[27][28]</ref>[29] English Electric Company's aircraft division was a predecessor of F-35 partner BAE Systems. Lightning II was also an early company name for the fighter that was later named the F-22 Raptor.[citation
needed]
On 19 December 2008, Lockheed Martin rolled out the first weight-optimized F-35A (designated AF-1). It was the first F-35 to be produced at a full production speed and is structurally identical to the production F-35As that were delivered starting in 2010.[30] Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is the prime contractor and performs aircraft final assembly, overall system integration, mission system, and provides forward fuselage, wings and flight controls system. Northrop Grumman provides Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, electro-optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS), Communications, Navigation, Identification (CNI), center fuselage, weapons bay, and arrestor gear. BAE Systems provides aft fuselage and empennages, horizontal and vertical tails, crew life support and escape systems, Electronic warfare systems, fuel system, and Flight Control Software (FCS1). Alenia will perform final assembly for Italy and, according to an Alenia executive, assembly of all European aircraft with the exception of Turkey and the United Kingdom.[31][32] The F-35 program has seen a great deal of investment in automated production facilities. For example, Handling Specialty produced the wing assembly platforms for Lockheed Martin.[33] In November 2009, Jon Schreiber, head of F-35 international affairs program for the Pentagon, said that the U.S. will not share the software code for the F-35 with its allies.[34] On 5 January 2009, six F-35s had been built, including AF-1 and AG-1; another 13 pre-production test aircraft and four production aircraft were being manufactured.[35] On 6 April 2009, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates proposed speeding up production for the U.S. to buy 2,443 F-35s.[36] In August 2010, Lockheed Martin announced delays in resolving a "wing-at-mate overlap" production problem, which would slow initial production.[37]
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Pentagon position.[49] In December 2011, Lockheed Martin agreed to a cost sharing agreement.[50] The Aerospace Industries Association trade group warned that such changes would force them to anticipate cost overruns in their future contract bids.[51] As of 2012, problems found in flight testing were expected to continue to lead to elevated levels of engineering changes (to be made to newly produced aircraft and retrofitted onto previously produced aircraft) through 2019.[52] The total additional cost for concurrency in the program is around $1.3 billion.[53] By the next year the cost had grown to $1.7 billion.[54] In 2012, General Norton A. Schwartz decried the "foolishness" of reliance on computer models to settle the final design of the aircraft before flight testing found the issues that needed redesign.[55] In 2013, JSF project team leader USAF Lieutenant General Chris Bogdan said that "A large amount of concurrency, that is, beginning production long before your design is stable and long before you've found problems in test, creates downstream issues where now you have to go back and retrofit airplanes and make sure the production line has those fixes in them. And that drives complexity and cost".[56] Bogdan did however praise the "magical" improvement in the program ever since Lockheed was forced to assume some of the financial risks.[57] On 21 April 2009, media reports, citing Pentagon sources, said that during 2007 and 2008, computer spies had managed to copy and siphon off several terabytes of data related to the F-35's design and electronics systems, potentially enabling the development of defense systems against the aircraft.[58] Lockheed Martin has rejected suggestions that the project has been compromised, saying that it "does not believe any classified information had been stolen".[59] Other sources have suggested that the incident caused a redesign of the aircraft's hardware and software to be more resistant to cyber attack.[60] BAE Systems was reported to be the target of the cyber espionage that may have stolen secrets related to the F-35.[61] An additional problem emerged when it was feared that China had intercepted telemetry from F-35 test flights.[62] In 2013 a report from Mandiant tracked the hacking to a unit of the People's Liberation Army.[63] On 9 November 2009, Ashton Carter, under-secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, acknowledged that the Pentagon "joint estimate team" (JET) had found possible future cost and schedule overruns in the project and that he would be holding meetings to attempt to avoid these.[64] On 1 February 2010, Gates removed the JSF Program Manager, U.S. Marine Corps Major General David Heinz, and withheld $614million in payments to Lockheed Martin because of program costs and delays.[65][66] On 11 March 2010, a report from the Government Accountability Office to United States Senate Committee on Armed Services projected the overall unit cost of an F-35A to be $112M in today's money.[67] In 2010, Pentagon officials disclosed that the F-35 program has exceeded its original cost estimates by more than 50 percent.[68] An internal Pentagon report critical of the JSF project states that "affordability is no longer embraced as a core pillar". On 24 March, Gates termed the cost overruns and delays as "unacceptable" in a testimony before the U.S. Congress. He characterized previous cost and schedule estimates for the project as "overly rosy". Gates insisted the F-35 would become "the backbone of U.S. air combat for the next generation" and informed the Congress that he had expanded the development period by an additional 13 months and budgeted $3billion more for the testing program while slowing down production.[69] Lockheed Martin expects to reduce government cost estimates by 20%.[70] In November 2010, as part of a cost-cutting measure, the co-chairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform suggested canceling procurement of the F-35B and halving orders of F-35As and F-35Cs.[71][72][73] At the same time, Air Force Magazine reported that "Pentagon officials" were considering canceling the F-35B because its short range means that the bases or ships it operates from will be within range of hostile tactical ballistic missiles.[74] Lockheed Martin consultant Loren B. Thompson said that this rumor was merely a result of the usual tensions between the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and there was no alternative to the F-35B as an AV-8B replacement.[75] He also confirmed that there would be further delays and cost increases in the development process because of technical problems with the aircraft and software, and blamed most of the delays and extra costs on redundant flight tests.[76][77]
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II The Center for Defense Information estimated that the program would be restructured with an additional year of delay and $5billion in additional costs.[78] On 5 November 2010, the Block 1 software flew for the first time on BF-4 which included information fusion and initial weapons-release capability.[79] As of the end of 2010, only 15% of the software remained to be written, but this included the most difficult sections such as data fusion.[80] In 2011, it was revealed that only 50% of the eight million lines of code had been written and that it would take another six years and 110 additional software engineers in order to complete the software for this new schedule.[81] The total estimated lines of code for the entire program (onboard and offboard) had grown from 15 million lines to 24 million lines by 2012.[82] In January 2011, Defense Secretary Robert Gates expressed the Pentagon's frustration with the rising costs of the F-35 program when he said "The culture of endless money that has taken hold must be replaced by a culture of restraint." Focusing his attention on the troubled F-35B, Gates ordered "a two-year probation", saying it "should be canceled" if corrections are unsuccessful.[83] Gates has stated his support for the program.[84] Some private analysts, such as Richard Aboulafia, of the Teal Group state that the F-35 program is becoming a money pit.[85] Gates' successor, Leon Panetta, ended the F-35B's probation on 20 January 2012, stating "The STOVL variant has made I believe and all of us believe sufficient progress."[86] Former Pentagon manager Paul G. Kaminski has said that the lack of a complete test plan has added five years to the JSF program.[87] As of February 2011, the main flaws with the aircraft were engine "screech", transonic wing roll-off and display flaws in the helmet-mounted display.[88] The current schedule has the delivery of basic combat capability aircraft in late 2015, followed by full capability block three software in late 2016.[89] The $56.4billion development project for the aircraft should be completed in 2018 when the block five configuration is expected to be delivered, several years late and considerably over budget.[90] Delays in the F-35 program may lead to a "fighter gap" where America and other countries will lack sufficient jet fighters to cover their requirements.[91] Israel may seek to buy second-hand F-15s to cover its gap,[92] while Australia may also seek to buy more Super Hornets from the USN to cover their own capability gap in the face of F-35 delays.[93] Initial Operational Capability (IOC) will be determined by software development rather than by hardware production or pilot training.[94] In May 2011, the Pentagon's top weapons buyer Ashton Carter said that its new $133million unit price was not affordable.[95] In 2011, The Economist warned that the F-35 was in danger of slipping into a "death spiral" where increasing per-aircraft costs would lead to cuts in number of aircraft ordered which would lead to further cost increases and further order cuts.[96] Later that year, four aircraft were cut from the fifth LRIP order to pay for cost overruns.[97] And, in 2012, a further two aircraft were cut.[98] Lockheed acknowledged that the slowing of purchases would increase the costs.[99] David Van Buren, acquisition chief for the U.S. Air Force, said that Lockheed would need to cut infrastructure to match the reduced market for their aircraft.[100] The company said that the slowdown in American orders will free up capacity to meet the urgent short term needs of foreign partners for replacement fighters.[101] But Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said that there was no more money available for the project and that future price increases would be matched with cuts in the number of aircraft ordered.[102] Later that month, the Pentagon reported that costs had risen another 4.3 percent, partially as a result of production delays.[103] In 2012, the purchase of six out of 31 aircraft was tied to performance metrics of the program.[104] In 2013 Bogdan repeated that no more money was available, but that he hoped to avoid the death spiral.[105] Japan has warned that it may halt their purchase if the unit costs increase, and Canada has indicated it has not fully committed to purchasing the aircraft.[106][107] The United States is projected to spend an estimated US$323billion for development and procurement on the F-35 program, making it the most expensive defense program ever.[108] The total life-cycle cost for the entire American fleet is estimated to be US$1.51trillion over its 50-year life, or $618
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II million per plane.[109] Testifying before a Canadian parliamentary committee in 2011, Rear Admiral Arne Rksund of Norway estimated that his country's 52 F-35 fighter jets will cost $769 million each over their operational lifetime.[110] In 2011, a Congressional Joint Strike Fighter Caucus was formed by some of the top recipients of Lockheed Martin contributions.[111] The program delays have affected the program's worldwide supply chain, causing Australian Quickstep Holdings to struggle for capital, in spite of their 20-year contract with Lockheed Martin.[112] In order to reduce the estimated $1 trillion cost of the F-35 program over its 50-year lifetime, the USAF is considering reducing Lockheed's role in Contractor Logistics Support for the fighter.[113] Lockheed has responded that the trillion dollar estimate relies on future costs beyond its control such as USAF reorganizations and upgrades to the aircraft that have yet to be specified.[114] In 2012, in order to avoid further redesign delays, the U.S. DoD accepted a reduced combat radius for the F-35A and a longer takeoff run for the F-35B.[115][116] The F-35B's estimated radius has also decreased 15 percent from initial JSF goal.[117] In a meeting in Sydney in March, the United States pledged to eight partner nations that there would be no more program delays.[118] On 31 May 2012, Lockheed Chief Executive Bob Stevens complained that the Defense Department's requirements for cost data were driving up the cost of the program.[119] The same week he admitted that a strike over the company's plans to strip benefits from workers might cause a shortfall in the plan to produce 29 F-35s that year.[120] The striking union workers raised questions about the standards of the replacement workers, even as their own work had been cited for "inattention to production quality" with a 16% rework rate.[121][122] The workers went on strike to protect pensions whose costs have been the subject of negotiations with the Department of Defense over the costs of the next batch of aircraft.[123] These same pension costs were cited by Fitch in their downgrade of the outlook for Lockheed Martin's stock price.[124] Stevens said that while he hoped to bring down the costs of the program, the industrial base was not capable of meeting the government's expectations of affordability.[125][126] He was able to force concessions on the workers while retaining top management's generous bonuses and pensions.[127] According to the latest Government Accountability Office report, the F-35's unit cost has almost doubled, an increase of 93% over the program's 2001 baseline cost estimates.[128] Lockheed fears that if the tighter policies for award fees of the Obama administration are not reversed, their profits on the aircraft will be reduced by $500 million over the next five years.[129] This was demonstrated in 2012 when the Pentagon withheld the maximum $47 million allowed for Lockheed's failure to certify its program to track project costs and schedules.[130] The GAO has also faulted the USAF and USN for not fully planning out the full costs required to extend legacy F-16 and F-18 fleets to cover for delays in the F-35 program.[131] In 2013 Lockheed began to lay off workers at the Fort Worth plant where the F-35s were assembled.[132] They said that the currently estimated concurrency costs of refitting the 187 aircraft that will have been built by the time testing concludes in 2016 to reflect the lessons learned during that testing are now less than previously feared.[133] The GAO's Michael Sullivan said that when Lockheed started the program they had failed to get an early start on the systems engineering and had not understood the requirements or the technologies.[134] The Pentagon vowed to continue funding the program during budget sequestration if possible.[135] Western analysts have noted that while the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-31 are expected to fall far short of the capabilities of the F-35, the delays in providing the American fifth generation fighter in sufficient numbers to American allies in the region may give China a window of opportunity over the legacy fighters of their neighbors.[136]
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Sukhois".[155] The nature of the simulations, and the terms upon which the "400 percent" figure have been derived remains unclear. In March 2012, Tom Burbage, and Gary Liberson, of Lockheed Martin addressed an Australian Parliamentary Committee about earlier assessments. They stated "Time has moved on since 2008 and we know a lot more about this airplane now than we knew then. ... Our current assessment that we speak of is greater than 6 to 1 relative loss exchange ratio against, in 4 versus 8 engagement scenarios4 blue F-35s versus 8 advanced red threats in the 2015 to 2020 time frame. And it is very important to note that is without the pilot in the loop and are the lowest number that we talk about, the greater than 6 to 1 is when we include the pilot in the loop [simulator] activities". They said: "we actually have a fifth-gen airplane flying today. The F22 has been in many exercises and is much better than the simulations forecast. We have F35 flying today; it has not been put into that scenario yet, but we have very high quality information on the capability of the sensors and the capability of the airplane, and we have represented the airplane fairly and appropriately in these large-scale campaign models that we are using. But it is not just usit is our air force; it is your air force; it is all the other participating nations that do this; it is our navy and our marine corps that do these exercises. It is not Lockheed in a closet gleaning up some sort of result." Although the advanced threats are classified they indicated that all the first-tier air forces in the world would not look at analysis against inferior threats."[156] Regarding the original plan to fit the F-35 with only two air-to-air missiles (internally), Major Richard Koch, chief of USAF Air Combat Commands advanced air dominance branch is reported to have said that "I wake up in a cold sweat at the thought of the F-35 going in with only two air-dominance weapons."[157] The Norwegians have been briefed on a plan to equip the F-35 with six AIM-120D missiles by 2019.[158] Former RAND author John Stillion has written of the F-35A's air-to-air combat performance that it cant turn, cant climb, cant run, but Lockheed Martin test pilot Jon Beesley has countered that in an air-to-air configuration the F-35 has almost as much thrust as weight and a flight control system that allows it to be fully maneuverable even at a 50-degree angle of attack.[159][160] Andrew Hoehn, Director of RAND Project Air Force, made the following statement: Recently, articles have appeared in the Australian press with assertions regarding a war game in which analysts from the RAND Corporation were involved. Those reports are not accurate. RAND did not present any analysis at the war game relating to the performance of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, nor did the game attempt detailed adjudication of air-to-air combat. Neither the game nor the assessments by RAND in support of the game undertook any comparison of the fighting qualities of particular fighter aircraft.[161] In an interview with the state-run[162] Global Times, Chen Hu, editor-in-chief of World Military Affairs magazine has said that the F-35 is too costly because it attempts to provide the capabilities needed for all three American services in a common airframe.[163] Dutch news program NOVA show interviewed U.S. defense specialist Winslow T. Wheeler and aircraft designer Pierre Sprey who called the F-35 "heavy and sluggish" as well as having a "pitifully small load for all that money", and went on to criticize the value for money of the stealth measures as well as lacking fire safety measures. His final conclusion was that any air force would be better off maintaining its fleets of F-16s and F/A-18s compared to buying into the F-35 program.[164] Lockheed spokesman John Kent has said that the missing fire-suppression systems would have offered "very small" improvements to survivability.[165] In the context of selling F-35s to Israel to match the F-15s that will be sold to Saudi Arabia, a senior U.S. defense official was quoted as saying that the F-35 will be "the most stealthy, sophisticated and lethal tactical fighter in the sky," and added "Quite simply, the F-15 will be no match for the F-35."[166] After piloting the aircraft, RAF Squadron Leader Steve Long said that, over its existing aircraft, the F-35 will give "the RAF and Navy a quantum leap in airborne capability."[167] Consultant to Lockheed Martin Loren B. Thompson has said that the "electronic edge F-35 enjoys over every other tactical aircraft in the world may prove to be more important in future missions than maneuverability".[168]
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II In 2011, Canadian politicians raised the issue of the safety of the F-35's reliance on a single engine (as opposed to a twin-engine configuration, which provides a backup in case of an engine failure). Canada, and other operators, had previous experience with a high-accident rate with the single-engine Lockheed CF-104 Starfighter with many accidents related to engine failures. Defence Minister Peter MacKay, when asked what would happen if the F-35's single engine fails in the Far North, stated "It wont".[169] In November 2011, a Pentagon study team identified the following 13 areas of concern that remained to be addressed in the F-35:[170][171] The helmet-mounted display system does not work properly. The fuel dump subsystem poses a fire hazard. The Integrated Power Package is unreliable and difficult to service. The F-35C's arresting hook does not work. Classified "survivability issues", which have been speculated to be about stealth.[170] The wing buffet is worse than previously reported. The airframe is unlikely to last through the required lifespan. The flight test program has yet to explore the most challenging areas. The software development is behind schedule. The aircraft is in danger of going overweight or, for the F-35B, not properly balanced for VTOL operations.
There are multiple thermal management problems. The air conditioner fails to keep the pilot and controls cool enough, the roll posts on the F-35B overheat, and using the afterburner damages the aircraft. The automated logistics information system is partially developed. The lightning protection on the F-35 is uncertified, with areas of concern. In December 2011 the Pentagon and Lockheed came to an agreement to assure funding and delivery for a fifth order of early F-35 aircraft of yet undefined type in spite of general national austerity measures affecting the program.[172] Michael Auslin of the American Enterprise Institute has questioned the capability of the F-35 to engage modern air defenses, in spite of Russia's own admission that the S-300 systems are vulnerable to the F-35.[173][174] In July 2012, the Pentagon awarded Lockheed another $450 million to improve the F-35 electronic warfare systems and incorporate Israeli systems.[175] A report released in 2013 stated that flaws in the Lightning II's fuel tank and fueldraulic systems have left it even more vulnerable to lightning strikes and other fire sources including enemy fire than previously revealed, especially when operating at lower altitudes.[176] The same report also noted performance degradation of the three variants. The sustained turn rates of the three variants was reduced to 4.6 g for the F-35A, 4.5 g for the F-35B, and 5.0 g for the F-35C. The acceleration performance of all three variants was also downgraded, with the F-35C taking 43 seconds longer than an F-16 to accelerate from Mach 0.8 to Mach 1.2. This was judged by several fighter pilots to be a lower performance level than expected from a fourth generation fighter.[177] The F-35 program office is reconsidering adding the removed safety equipment back in.[178] On 22 February 2013, the U.S. fleet of F-35s was grounded after a routine inspection of a F-35A at Edwards Air Force Base found a crack in an engine turbine blade.[179][] USAF test pilots have noted a lack of visibility from the F-35 cockpit during evaluation flights and said that this will get them shot down in every combat. Defense spending analyst Winslow Wheeler concluded from the flight evaluation reports that the F-35A "is flawed beyond redemption",[180] while program manager Bogdan suggested that pilots worried about being shot down should fly cargo aircraft instead.[181] The same report found (in addition to the usual problems with the aircraft listed above): Current aircraft software is inadequate for even basic pilot training. Ejection seat may fail causing pilot fatality. Several pilot-vehicle interface issues, including lack of feedback on touch screen controls. The radar performs poorly, if at all.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Engine replacement takes an average of 52 hours, instead of the two hours specified. And the maintenance tools do not work.[182] The JPO responded that more experienced pilots would be able to safely operate the aircraft and that procedures would improve over time.[183] And the USAF began pilot training in March 2013.[184]
10
Upgrades
Lockheed's development roadmap extends until 2021, including a block 6 engine improvement in 2019. The aircraft are expected to be upgraded throughout their operational lives.[188]
Design
The F-35 appears to be a smaller, slightly more conventional, single-engine sibling of the sleeker, twin-engine Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, and indeed drew elements from it. The exhaust duct design was inspired by the General Dynamics Model 200 design, which was proposed for a 1972 supersonic VTOL fighter requirement for the Sea Control Ship.[189] For specialized development of the F-35B STOVL variant, Lockheed consulted with the Yakovlev Design Bureau, purchasing design data from their development of the Yakovlev Yak-141 "Freestyle".[190][191] Although several experimental designs have been built and tested since the 1960s including the navy's unsuccessful Rockwell XFV-12, the F-35B is to be the first operational supersonic, STOVL stealth fighter.[192]
11
The F-35 has a maximum speed of over Mach 1.6. With a maximum takeoff weight of 60,000lb (27,000kg),[193] </ref>[194] the Lightning II is considerably heavier than the lightweight fighters it replaces. In empty and maximum gross weights, it more closely resembles the single-seat, single-engine Republic F-105 Thunderchief, which was the largest single-engine fighter of the Vietnam war era. The F-35's modern engine delivers over 60 percent more thrust in an aircraft of the same weight so that in thrust to weight and wing loading it is much closer to a comparably equipped F-16.[195]</ref>
Acquisition deputy to the assistant secretary of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Mark D. "Shack" Shackelford has said that the F-35 is designed to be America's "premier surface-to-air missile killer and is uniquely equipped for this mission with cutting edge processing power, synthetic aperture radar integration techniques, and advanced target recognition."[196][197] Some improvements over current-generation fighter aircraft are: Durable, low-maintenance stealth technology, using structural fiber mat instead of the high-maintenance coatings of legacy stealth platforms;[198] Integrated avionics and sensor fusion that combine information from off- and on-board sensors to increase the pilot's situational awareness and improve target identification and weapon delivery, and to relay information quickly to other command and control (C2) nodes; High speed data networking including IEEE 1394b[199] and Fibre Channel.[200] (Fibre Channel is also used on Boeing's Super Hornet.[201]) The Autonomic Logistics Global Sustainment (ALGS), Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) and Computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) are to help ensure aircraft uptime with minimal maintenance manpower.[202] The Pentagon has moved to open the up competitive bidding by other companies.[203] This was after Lockheed admitted that instead of costing twenty percent less than the F-16 per flight hour, the F-35 would actually cost twelve percent more.[204] Though the ALGS is intended to reduce maintenance costs, Lockheed Martin disagrees with including the cost of this system in the aircraft ownership calculations.[205] USMC have implemented a workaround for a cyber vulnerability in the system.[206] Electrohydrostatic actuators run by a power-by-wire flight-control system.[207] A modern and updated flight simulator, which may be used for a greater fraction of pilot training in order to reduce the costly flight hours of the actual aircraft.[208] Lightweight, powerful and volatile Lithium-ion batteries similar to those that have grounded the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.[209] These are required to provide power to run the control surfaces in an emergency,[210] and have been strenuously tested.[211] Lockheed Martin claims the F-35 is intended to have close and long-range air-to-air capability second only to that of the F-22 Raptor.[7] The company has suggested that the F-35 could also replace the USAF's F-15C/D fighters in the air superiority role and the F-15E Strike Eagle in the ground attack role, but it does not have the range or payload of either F-15 model.[212] The F-35A does carry a similar air-to-air armament as the conceptual Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle when both aircraft are configured for low observable operations and has over 80 percent of the larger aircraft's combat radius, under those conditions.[213] Lockheed Martin has said that the F-35 has the advantage over the F-22 in basing flexibility and "advanced sensors and information fusion".[214] Structural composites in the F-35 are 35% of the airframe weight (up from 25% in the F-22).[215] The majority of these are bismaleimide (BMI) and composite epoxy material.[216] The F-35 will be the first mass produced aircraft to include structural nanocomposites, namely carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy.[217]
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II The F-35 program has learned from the corrosion problems that the F-22 had when it was first introduced in 2005. The F-35 uses a gap filler that causes less galvanic corrosion to the skin, is designed with fewer gaps in its skin that require gap filler, and has better drainage.[218] A United States Navy study found that the F-35 will cost 30 to 40 percent more to maintain than current jet fighters.[219] This does not account for inflation over the 30+ years of the F-35 program. A Pentagon study found that it may cost $1trillion to maintain the entire fleet over its lifetime.[220] The relatively short 35 foot wingspan of the A and B variants is set by the F-35B's requirement to fit inside the Navy's current amphibious assault ship elevators. The F-35C's longer wing is considered to be more fuel efficient.[221]
12
Engines
The F-35's main engine is the Pratt & Whitney F135. The General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 was under development as an alternative engine until December 2011 when the manufacturers canceled work on it.[222][223] The F135/F136 engines are not designed to supercruise in the F-35,[224] but the F-35 can achieve a limited supercruise of Mach 1.2 for 150 miles.[] The STOVL versions of both power plants use the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem, designed by Lockheed Martin and developed to production by Rolls-Royce. This system is more like the Russian Yak-141 and German VJ 101D/E than the preceding generation of STOVL designs,[225][226] such as the Harrier Jump Jet in which all of the lifting air went through the main fan of the Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine.[227] The Lift System is composed of a lift fan, drive shaft, two roll posts and a "Three Bearing Swivel Module" (3BSM).[228] The 3BSM is a thrust vectoring nozzle which allows the main engine exhaust to be deflected downward at the tail of the aircraft. The lift fan is near the front of the aircraft and provides a counterbalancing thrust using two counter-rotating blisks.[229] It is powered by the engine's low-pressure (LP) turbine via a drive shaft and gearbox. Roll control during slow flight is achieved by diverting unheated engine bypass air through wing-mounted thrust nozzles called Roll Posts.[230][231] Like lift engines, the added lift fan machinery increases payload capacity during vertical flight, but is dead weight during horizontal flight. The cool exhaust of the fan also reduces the amount of hot, high-velocity air that is projected downward during vertical take off, which can damage runways and aircraft carrier decks.[citation needed] To date, F136 funding has come at the expense of other parts of the program, reducing the number of aircraft built and increasing their costs.[232] The F136 team has claimed that their engine has a greater temperature margin which may prove critical for VTOL operations in hot, high altitude conditions.[233] Pratt & Whitney is also testing higher thrust versions of the F135, partly in response to GE's claims that the F136 is capable of producing more thrust than the 43,000lbf (190kN) supplied by early F135s. The F135 has demonstrated a maximum thrust of over 50,000lbf (220kN) during testing.[234] The F-35's Pratt & Whitney F135 is the most powerful engine ever installed in a fighter aircraft.[235] The F135 is the second (radar) stealthy afterburning jet engine and like the Pratt & Whitney F119 from which it was derived, has suffered from pressure pulsations in the afterburner at low altitude and high speed or "screech". In both cases this problem was fixed during development of the fighter program.[236] Turbine bearing health in the engine will be monitored with thermoelectric powered wireless sensors.[237]
13
Armament
The F-35A includes a GAU-22/A, a four-barrel version of the GAU-12 Equalizer 25mm cannon.[238] The cannon is mounted internally with 182 rounds for the F-35A or in an external pod with 220 rounds for the F-35B and F-35C.[239][240] The gun pod for the B and C variants will have stealth features. The Terma A/S multi-mission pod (MMP) could be used for different equipment in the future for all three variants, such as electronic warfare equipment, reconnaissance equipment, or possibly a rearward-facing radar.[241][242] It has two internal weapons bays, and external hardpoints that can mount four underwing pylons and two near wingtip pylons. The two outer hardpoints can only carry pylons for the AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-132 ASRAAM short-range air-to-air missiles (AAM).[243] The other pylons can carry the AIM-120 AMRAAM BVR AAM, Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missile, AGM-158 Joint Air to Surface Stand-off Missile (JASSM) cruise missile, and guided bombs. The external pylons can carry missiles, bombs, and fuel tanks at the expense of reduced stealth.[244] An air-to-air load of eight AIM-120s and two AIM-9s is possible using internal and external weapons stations; a configuration of six 2,000lb (910kg) bombs, two AIM-120s and two AIM-9s can also be arranged.[245][246]
Weapons bay on a mock-up of the F-35
There are a total of four weapons stations between the two internal weapons bays. Two of these can carry air-to-ground bombs up to 2,000lb (910kg) in A and C models, or two bombs up to 1,000lb (450kg) in the B model. The other two stations are for smaller weapons, normally expected to be air-to-air missiles.[245][247] The weapon bays can carry AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-132 ASRAAM, the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), the Joint Stand off Weapon (JSOW), Brimstone anti-armor missiles, and Cluster Munitions (WCMD).[245] Lockheed Martin states that the weapons load can also be configured as all-air-to-ground or all-air-to-air. The company has suggested that a Block 5 version will carry three weapons per bay instead of two, replacing the heavy bomb with two smaller weapons such as AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.[151] Upgrades are to allow each weapons bay to carry four GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) for A and C models, or three in F-35B.[248] Another option is four GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb IIs in each bay on all F-35 variants.[249] An F-35 has been loaded with four SDB II bombs alongside an AMRAAM missile, successfully validating that the SDB II is compatible with the F-35 and gives adequate clearance in sweeps of inboard and outboard bay doors.[250] The MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile is currently being adapted to fit four internally in the missile spots and may be integrated into the F-35. A modified Meteor design with smaller tailfins for the F-35 was revealed in September 2010.[251] The United Kingdom had originally planned to put up to four AIM-132 ASRAAM internally but this has been changed to carry two internal and two external ASRAAMs.[252] The external ASRAAMs are planned to be carried on "stealthy" pylons to increase the F-35's radar cross section slightly; the missile allow attacks to slightly beyond visual range without using radar that might alert the target.[243][253] Norway and Australia are funding a program to adapt the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to fit the internal bays of the F-35. This will be a multi-role version, named the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), and will be the only cruise missile to fit the internal bays. Studies have shown that the F-35 would be able to carry two of these internally, while four additional missiles could be carried externally. The missile has an expected range in excess of 150nmi
F-35B, internal bay test release of a GBU-12 500lb Paveway II bomb. Also visible is an external test AIM-9 Sidewinder and an AIM-120 AMRAAM, December 2012.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (278km).[254] Solid state lasers were being developed as optional weapons for the F-35 as of 2002.[255][256][257] The F-35 is expected to take on the Wild Weasel mission, but there are no planned anti-radiation missiles for internal stealthy carriage.[258] The B61 nuclear bomb was scheduled for deployment in 2017, but delays in the F-35 program may delay this.[259] It is now expected to be deployable in the early 2020s.[260]
14
15
Cockpit
The F-35 features a full-panel-width glass cockpit touch screen[277] "panoramic cockpit display" (PCD), with dimensions of 20 by 8inches (50 by 20centimeters).[278] A cockpit speech-recognition system (Direct Voice Input) provided by Adacel is planned to improve the pilot's ability to operate the aircraft over the current-generation interface. The F-35 will be the first U.S. operational fixed-wing aircraft to use this system, although similar systems have been used in AV-8B and trialled in previous U.S. jets, particularly the F-16 VISTA.[279] A helmet-mounted display system (HMDS) will be fitted to all models F-35 cockpit and instrument panel mock-up of the F-35. A helmet-mounted cueing system is already in service with the F-15s, F-16s and F/A-18s.[280] While some fighters have offered HMDS along with a head up display (HUD), this will be the first time in several decades that a front line tactical jet fighter has been designed without a HUD.[281] The F-35 is equipped with a right-hand HOTAS side stick controller. The Martin-Baker US16E ejection seat is used in all F-35 variants.[282] The US16E seat design balances major performance requirements, including safe-terrain-clearance limits, pilot-load limits, and pilot size. It uses a twin-catapult system that is housed in side rails.[283] The F-35 uses a derivative version of the oxygen system that has been implicated in hypoxia incidents on board the F-22. But the F-35 does not fly as high or as fast as the F-22; its flight profile is similar to other fighters that use such systems routinely.[284][285][286]
The AN/ASQ-239 (Barracuda) system is an improved version of the AN/ALR-94 EW suite on the F-22. The AN/ASQ-239 provides sensor fusion of RF and IR tracking functions, basic radar warning, multispectral countermeasures for self-defense against threat missiles, situational awareness and electronic surveillance. It uses 10 RF antennae over the leading and trailing edges of the wing leading and trailing edges of the horizontal tail.[293][294] The communications, navigation and identification (CNI) suite is designed by Northrop Grumman and includes the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL). The F-35 will be the first jet fighter with sensor fusion that combines radio frequency and IR tracking for continuous target detection and identification in all directions which is shared via MADL to other platforms without compromising low observability.[2] The F-35 also includes the non-stealthy Link
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II 16 for communications with legacy systems for missions including Close air support.[295] The F-35 has been designed with synergy between sensors as a specific requirement, with the "senses" of the aircraft expected to provide a more cohesive picture of the reality around it, and be available in principle for use in any possible way, and any possible combination with one another. All of the sensors feed directly into the main processors. For example the AN/APG-81 functions not just as a multi-mode radar, but also as part of the aircraft's electronic warfare system.[296] Northrop Grumman is offering the APG-81 as an upgrade for legacy aircraft, but because the "back end processing" on the F-35 is done in software on the main processors, the upgrade version requires their Scalable Agile Beam Radar electronics to operate on other aircraft.[297] Unlike previous aircraft, such as the F-22, much of the new software for the F-35 is written in C and C++, because of programer availability. Much Ada83 code is reused from the F-22.[298] The Integrity DO-178B real-time operating system (RTOS) from Green Hills Software runs on COTS Freescale PowerPC processors.[299] The final Block 3 software for the F-35 is planned to have 8.6million lines of software code.[300] The scale of the program has led to a software crisis as officials continue to discover that additional software needs to be written.[301] General Norton Schwartz has said that the software is the biggest factor that might delay the USAF's initial operational capability, which is now scheduled for April 2016.[302] Michael Gilmore, Director of Operational Test & Evaluation, has written that, "the F-35 mission systems software development and test is tending towards familiar historical patterns of extended development, discovery in flight test, and deferrals to later increments."[303] The F-35's electronic warfare systems are intended to detect hostile aircraft, then scan them with the electro-optical system to allow the pilot to engage or evade the opponent before the F-35 is detected.[296] The CATbird avionics testbed for the F-35 program has proved capable of detecting and jamming F-22 radars.[304] The F-35 was previously considered a platform for the Next Generation Jammer, but attention has shifted to the use of unmanned platforms.[305]
16
The F-35's systems provide the edge in the "observe, orient, decide, and act" OODA loop; stealth and advanced sensors aid in observation (while being difficult to observe), automated target tracking helps in orientation, sensor fusion simplifies decision making, and the aircraft's controls allow the pilot to keep their focus on the targets, rather than the controls of their aircraft.[307][308] The problems with the current Vision Systems International helmet-mounted display led Lockheed Martin on 1 March 2011 to issue a draft specification for proposals for an alternative .[309] The alternative system will be based on Anvis-9 night vision goggles.[310] It will be supplied by BAE systems.[311] The BAE system does not yet include
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II all the features of the VSI helmet and if successful will have the remaining features incorporated.[312] Use of the BAE system would also require a cockpit redesign.[313] In 2011, Lockheed granted VSI a contract to fix the vibration, jitter, night-vision and sensor display problems in their helmet-mounted display. The improved displays are expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2013.[314] One of the potential improvements is to replace Intevacs ISIE-10 day/night camera located in the helmet with their ISIE-11 model which will improve the resolution from 1280x1024 to 1600x1200 pixels.[315] By October 2012, Lockheed said it had made progress in resolving technical issues of the helmet-mounted display, citing positive reports from night flying tests. Night vision performance was the "only real question" left on the helmet, and it was questioned whether the helmet system would allow pilots to see well enough at night to carry out precision tasks.[316]
17
Maintenance
The program's maintenance concept is for any F-35 to be maintained in any F-35 maintenance facility and that all F-35 parts in all bases will be globally tracked and shared as needed.[317] The commonality between the different variants has allowed the USMC to create their first aircraft maintenance Field Training Detachment to directly apply the lessons of the USAF to their F-35 maintenance operations.[318] The aircraft has been designed for ease of maintenance, with 95% of all field replaceable parts "one deep" where nothing else has to be removed to get to the part in question. For instance the ejection seat can be replaced without removing the canopy, the aircraft uses low-maintenance electro-hydrostatic actuators instead of hydraulic systems and an all-composite skin without the fragile coatings found on earlier stealth aircraft.[319] The F-35 has received good reviews from pilots and maintainers, suggesting it is performing better than its predecessors did at a similar stage of development. The stealth type has proved relatively stable from a maintenance standpoint. Part of the improvement is attributed to better maintenance training, as F-35 maintainers have received far more extensive instruction at this early stage of the program than on the F-22 Raptor. The F-35's stealth coatings are much easier to work with than those used on the Raptor. Cure times for coating repairs are lower and many of the fasteners and access panels are not coated, further reducing the workload for maintenance crews. Some of the F-35's radar-absorbent materials are baked into the jet's composite skin, which means its stealthy signature is not easily degraded.[320] It is still harder to maintain (due to its stealth) than fourth-generation aircraft.[321]
Operational history
Testing
The first F-35A (designated AA-1) was rolled out in Fort Worth, Texas, on 19 February 2006, before undergoing ground testing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in late 2006. In September 2006 the first engine run of the F135 in an airframe and tests were completed.[322] On 15 December 2006, the F-35A completed its maiden flight.[323] A modified Boeing 737300, the Lockheed CATBird is used as an avionics test-bed inside which are racks holding all of F-35's avionics, as well as a complete F-35 cockpit.[151] The first F-35B (designated BF-1) made its maiden flight on 11 June 2008, piloted by BAE Systems' test pilot Graham Tomlinson. In-flight testing of the variant's STOVL propulsion system began on 7 January 2010.[324] The F-35B's first hover was on 17 March 2010, followed by its first vertical landing the next day.[325] During a test flight on 10 June 2010, the F-35B became the second STOVL aircraft to achieve supersonic speeds[326] after the X-35B.[327] In January 2011, Lockheed Martin reported it had solved a problem with the aluminum bulkhead used on the F-35B which had cracked during ground testing.[328] The F-35B suffered from another bulkhead crack the next year, needing another heavier replacement part to be designed.[329]
18
The first delivered USAF F-35 on its delivery flight to Eglin Air Force Base in July 2011.
External video
F-35B tests on USSWasp in 2011 Short TakeOff [330] [331] [332]
By June 2009 many of the initial flight test targets had been accomplished, but the F-35 testing program was falling behind schedule.[333] During the previous year, a Pentagon Joint Estimate Team (JET) estimated that the program was two years behind the latest public schedule, and a revised estimate in 2009 predicted a 30-month delay.[334] Due to these test delays, planned production numbers were reduced by 122 aircraft through 2015 to provide 2.8 billion in additional funds for development; internal memos suggested that the official timeline would be extended by 13 months[334][335] The success of the JET has led Ashton Carter to call for more such teams for other poorly performing Pentagon projects.[336] Nearly 30 percent of the test flights have required more than routine maintenance to get the aircraft flying again.[337] As of March 2010, the F-35 program had used a million more man-hours than predicted and flight testing is expected to result in further design changes.[338] The United States Navy has projected that lifecycle costs over a fleet life of 65 years for all of the American F-35s will be $442billion higher than the U.S. Air Force has projected.[339] The delay in the F-35 program is expected to lead to a shortfall of around 100 jet fighters in the Navy/Marines team. Given careful management, service life extension of the Marines' F/A-18s, and more burdens placed on Navy fighters, it may be possible to reduce this shortfall.[340] The F-35C's maiden flight took place on 7 June 2010, also at NAS Fort Worth JRB. A total of 11 U.S. Air Force F-35s arrived in fiscal year 2011.[341] On 9 March 2011 all F-35s were grounded after a dual generator failure and oil leak in flight.[342] The problem was found to be the result of faulty maintenance.[343] In June 2011, the F-35's sensors (radar and DAS) were tested in an exercise named Northern Edge 2011. Navy Commander Erik Etz, an official from the F-35 JSF Program Office, said the rigorous testing of both sensors during Northern Edge 2011 served as a significant risk-reduction step for the F-35 JSF program.[344][345] From 318 August 2011, the F-35 fleet was grounded while the Joint Program Office investigated an electrical system failure on test aircraft, F-35A AF-4 during ground tests. The Honeywell-built integrated power package (IPP) failed during a standard engine test following a maintenance check on 2 August at Edwards Air Force Base.[346][347] The IPP combines the functions of an environment control unit, engine starter and back-up power generator. The JPO was assessing the impact of the grounding on the schedule for the system development and demonstration phase, but the latest version of the schedule included margin for unexpected problems.[348] On 10 August 2011, ground operations for the F-35 Program were re-instituted while the investigation was ongoing. Preliminary root
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II cause inquiries indicated that a control valve did not function properly, which in turn led to the IPP failure. Further reviews were required prior to lifting the suspension of flight operations for the F-35.[348][349][350] On 18 August 2011, the flight ban was lifted for 18 of the 20 fighters. Two aircraft based at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida remained grounded because they lacked the monitoring systems used in developmental test aircraft to detect problems in flight.[351] The IPP suffered another software related incident in 2013, but this caused no additional disruption because the fleet was already grounded due to engine issues.[352] On 25 October 2011 the F-35A reached its designed top speed of Mach 1.6 for the first time.[353] Further testing demonstrated Mach 1.61 and 9.9g.[354] During testing in 2011, all eight landing tests of the F-35C tail hook failed to catch the arresting wire; the hook design is being modified.[355] In October 2011, two F-35B VTOL aircraft conducted three weeks of initial sea trials aboard USSWasp(LHD-1).[356] On 15 August 2012, an F-35B completed air start tests, which involved shutting down and restarting the engine while in flight; the F-35A had previously completed these tests.[357] During the fourth quarter of 2012, weapons separation tests were performed. On 6 October 2012, the F-35A dropped its first bomb,[358] followed three days later by the AIM-120 AMRAAM.[359] On 28 November 2012, an F-35C test aircraft performed a total of eleven weapon releases, ejecting a GBU-31 JDAM and GBU-12 Paveway from its weapons bay in the first ground weapons ejections for the F-35C.[360] On 16 November 2012, the U.S. Marines received the first F-35B at MCAS Yuma, and the VMFA(AW)-121 unit is to be redesignated from a Boeing F/A-18 Hornet unit to an F-35B squadron.[361] A February 2013 Time article revealed that Marine pilots are not allowed to perform a vertical landing the maneuver is deemed too dangerous, and it is reserved only for Lockheed test pilots.[362] On 18 January 2013, the F-35B variant was grounded after the failure of a fueldraulic line in the aircraft's propulsion system on 16 January prior to a conventional takeoff.[363] The problem was traced an improperly crimped fluid line manufactured by Stratoflex.[364][365] The Pentagon cleared all 25 F-35B aircraft to resume flight tests on 12 February 2013.[366] On 11 February 2013, an F-35A completed its final test mission for clean wing flutter. Flutter testing demonstrated it was clear of flutter at speeds up to Mach 1.6 with weapon bay doors open and closed.[367] On 22 February 2013, the U.S. Department of Defense grounded the entire fleet of 51 F-35s after the discovery of a cracked turbine blade in a U.S. Air Force F-35A at Edwards Air Force Base.[368][369] On 28 February 2013, the Defense Department lifted the grounding after an investigation concluded that the cracks in that particular engine resulted from stressful testing, including excessive heat for a prolonged period during flight, and did not reflect a fleetwide problem.[370][371][372]
19
Training
In 2011, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation warned that the USAF's plan to start unmonitored flight training "risks the occurrence of a serious mishap".[373] The leaders of the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services called on Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to address the issue.[374] The flights began in September 2012.[375] The F-35A and F-35B were cleared for flight training in early 2012.[376] A military flight release for the F-35A was issued on 28 February 2012.[377] Currently the aircraft are restricted to basic maneuvers with no tactical training allowed.[378] On 24 August 2012, an F-35 flew its 200th sortie while at Eglin Air Force Base, flown by a Marine pilot. The pilot said, "The aircraft have matured dramatically since the early days. The aircraft are predictable and seem to be maintainable, which is good for the sortie production rate. Currently, the flight envelope for the F-35 is very, very restricted, but there are signs of improvement there too." The F-35s at the base no longer need to fly with a chase aircraft and are operating in a normal two-ship element.[379]
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II On 21 August 2012, J. Michael Gilmore wrote that he would not approve the Operational Test and Evaluation master plan until his concerns about electronic warfare testing, budget and concurrency were addressed.[380] On 7 September 2012, the Pentagon failed to approve a comprehensive operational testing plan for the F-35.[381] Instead, on 10 September 2012, the USAF started an operational utility evaluation (OUE) of the F-35A variant. This was scheduled to last 65 training days and was to evaluate the entire air vehicle system, including logistical support and maintenance, maintenance training, pilot training, and pilot execution. Four pilots were part of the OUE. The U.S. Navy and Marines do not yet have an OUE scheduled for their respective versions.[382] By 1 October, the OUE was reported as "proceeding smoothly." The pilots went through academics and started their normal operations simulators. Flying began on 26 October.[383] By 9 November 20 out 24 planned flight sorties had been completed.[384] The OUE was completed on 14 November with the 24th flight. The four pilots completed six flights each, along with simulator work and an academics phase. A report on the readiness of the F-35 and the training syllabus was compiled.[385] The Air Force decided it would begin pilot training in January 2013.[386] As the F-35 is a software defined aircraft, the maintenance personnel have found that many deficiencies identified can be fixed by simply rebooting the software through an aircraft restart.[387] During the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase of the aircraft, the U.S. had taken a tri-service approach to developing tactics and procedures for the F-35 using flight simulators. Because of this, the concept of operations and employment for it were already being developed before it was in service. The simulators helped discover technical problems used to refine further designs. Computers also flew some simulated flights to test the effectiveness of the aircraft's flight controls.[388] Pilot training of the Air Force's F-35A Lightning II started in January 2013 at Eglin Air Force Base. The training will include six classes of six students throughout the year, with a full capacity of 100 military pilots and 2,100 maintainer students.[386]
20
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II US$160million; Australia, US$144million; Norway, US$122million and Denmark, US$110million. Israel and Singapore have joined as Security Cooperative Participants (SCP).[396][397][398] Japan announced on 20 December 2011 its intent to purchase 42 F-35s with deliveries beginning in 2016 to replace F-4 Phantom II aircraft. The country wants at least 38 of the F-35s to be assembled in Japan.[13] By February 2012, many changes had occurred in the F-35 order book. Italy became the first country to announce it was reducing its overall fleet procurement, cutting its buy from 131 to 90 aircraft. Other nations reduced initial purchases or delayed orders, while still intending to purchase the same final numbers. The United States canceled the initial purchase of 13 F-35s and postponed orders for another 179. Britain cut its initial order and delayed a decision on future orders. Australia decided to buy the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as an interim measure until the F-35 is ready. Turkey also cut its initial order of four aircraft to two, but confirmed plans to purchase 100 F-35As.[399][400] Turkey will buy four F-35s to be delivered in 2015 and 2016, while the order may be increased from 100 to 120 aircraft.[401] All of these changes in procurement resulted in increased prices for the aircraft and thus increased the likelihood of further procurement cuts.[402][403] The Netherlands planned to buy 85 aircraft, but is considering buying 68 in 2013.[citation needed] The Auditor General of Canada Michael Ferguson published a report on 3 April 2012 outlining problems with Canada's procurement of the jet, including misinformation about the final cost of the jet. According to comments Ferguson made 5 April, the government knowingly understated the final price for Canada's 65 jets by $10 billion, igniting heated debate over the purchase.[404] Canada's Conservative government had previously been saying it would not reduce its order, claiming an anticipated $7580 million unit cost per fighter, and budgeting for cost overruns of ~10%. By 6 April the Canadian procurement was being termed a "scandal" and "fiasco" by the media and now faces a full review to determine whether Canada will buy any F-35s.[405][406][407][408] On 13 December 2012, in a scathing editorial published by CBC News, journalist Brian Stewart termed the F-35 project a "global wrecking ball" due to its run-away costs and lack of affordability for many participating nations.[409]
21
Variants
The F-35 is being built in three different main versions to suit various combat missions.
F-35A
The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant intended for the U.S. Air Force and other air forces. It is the smallest, lightest F-35 version and is the only variant equipped with an internal cannon, the GAU-22/A. This 25mm cannon is a development of the GAU-12 carried by the USMC's AV-8B Harrier II. It is designed for increased effectiveness against ground targets compared to the 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon carried by other USAF fighters.
The F-35A is expected to match the F-16 in maneuverability and instantaneous and sustained high-g performance, and outperform it in stealth, payload, range on internal fuel, avionics, operational effectiveness, supportability, and survivability.[410] It is expected to match an F-16 that is carrying the usual external fuel tank in acceleration performance.[411] It also has an internal laser designator and infrared sensors, equivalent to the Sniper XR pod carried by the F-16, but built in to reduce radar cross section. The A variant is primarily intended to replace the USAF's F-16 Fighting Falcon. It was also intended to replace the A-10 Thunderbolt II starting in 2028.[412][413] The F-35A can be outfitted with either of the two main air to air refueling types, which was a consideration in the Canadian purchase, and a deciding factor in the cost for the Japanese purchase.[414][415][416]
22
F-35B
The F-35B is the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the aircraft. Similar in size to the A variant, the B sacrifices about a third of the other version's fuel volume to make room for the vertical flight system. Takeoffs and landing with vertical flight systems are by far the riskiest, and in the end, a decisive factor in design. Like the AV-8B Harrier II, the Bs guns will be carried in a ventral pod. Whereas the F-35A is stressed to 9g, the F-35B is stressed to 7g.[417][418] The F-35B was unveiled at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant on 18 December 2007,[419] and the first test flight was on 11 June 2008.[420] Unlike the other variants, because it can land vertically the F-35B has no landing hook. The "STOVL/HOOK" button in the cockpit initiates conversion instead of dropping the hook.[421] The F-35B sends jet thrust directly downwards during vertical takeoffs and landing and the nozzle is being redesigned to spread the output out in an oval rather than a small circle so as to limit damage to asphalt and ship decks.[422] The variant's three-bearing swivel nozzle that directs the full thrust of the afterburning jet engine is moved by a fueldraulic actuator, using pressurized jet fuel.[423] The United States Marine Corps plans to purchase 340 F-35Bs,[94] to replace all current inventories of the F/A-18 Hornet (A, B, C and D-models), and AV-8B Harrier II in the fighter, and attack roles.[424] The Marines are planning to use the F-35B from "unimproved surfaces at austere bases" and are preparing landing spots with "special, high-temperature concrete designed to handle the heat from the JSF".[425][426]
F-35B vertical landing during its first sea trials aboard USSWasp(LHD-1), October 2011.
The Pratt & Whitney F135 engine with lift fan, roll posts, and rear vectoring nozzle, as designed for the F-35B, at the Paris Air Show, 2007
The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy plan to use the F-35B to replace their Harrier GR9s, which were retired in 2010. One of the Royal Navy requirements for the F-35B design was a Shipborne Rolling and Vertical Landing (SRVL) mode to increase the maximum landing weights for carried weapons via wing lift.[427][428] In October 2010, the F-35B short-takeoff from USSWasp(LHD-1) UK announced plans to order to the CATOBAR F-35C variant during its first sea trials, October 2011. [429] instead, but in May 2012 the UK reverted back to purchasing the F-35B, citing the cost of equipping the UK's new aircraft carriers for the F-35C.[430][431] On 19 July 2012 the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, in a speech in the USA, indicated that the UK would initially receive 48 F-35B and would announce at a later date what the final numbers will be. The Italian Navy is preparing Grottaglie Air Station for future operations with the F-35B. The Italian Navy is to receive 22 aircraft between 2014 and 2021, with its Cavour aircraft carrier set to be modified to operate them by 2016.[432] Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, General James Amos has said that, in spite of its increasing costs and schedule delays, there is no plan B to substitute for the F-35B.[433] The F-35B is larger than the aircraft it replaces, which required the USS America (LHA-6) to be designed without needed well deck capabilities.[434] In 2011, the
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II USMC and USN signed an agreement that the USMC will purchase 340 F-35B and 80 F-35C fighters while the USN will purchase 260 F-35C fighters. The five squadrons of USMC F-35Cs will be assigned to the Navy carriers while the USMC F-35Bs will be used on amphibious ships and ashore.[435][436][437] On 6 January 2011, Gates said that the 2012 budget would call for a two-year pause in F-35B production during which the aircraft may be redesigned, or canceled if unsuccessful.[83][438][439] The probation was ended by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in January 2012 because of progress made over the past year.[86] Lockheed Martin executive vice president Tom Burbage and former Pentagon director of operational testing Tom Christie have said that most of the delays in the total program have been due to issues with the F-35B, which forced massive redesigns on the other versions.[440] The USMC intends to declare Initial Operational Capability with about 50 F-35s running interim Block 2B software in the 2014 to 2015 timeframe.[441] Lockheed Martin Vice President Steve OBryan has said that most F-35B landings will be purely conventional in order to reduce stress on the vertical lift components.[442] Conventional operations also reduce the risk of self-induced foreign object damage.[443][444] On 3 October 2011, the F-35B began its initial sea-trials by performing a vertical landing on the deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp.[445] The USAF considered replacing the A-10 with the F-35B, but will not do so because the F-35B will not be able to generate sufficient sorties.[446]
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F-35C
Compared to the F-35A, the F-35C carrier variant features larger wings with foldable wingtip sections, larger wing and tail control surfaces for improved low-speed control, stronger landing gear for the stresses of carrier arrested landings, a twin-wheel nose gear, and a stronger tailhook for use with carrier arrestor cables. The larger wing area allows for decreased landing speed while increasing both range and payload.
F-35C launching from an electromagnetic
The United States Navy will use the F-35C carrier variant. It intends to catapult during testing, November 2011. buy 480 F-35Cs to replace the F/A-18A, B, C, and D Hornets. The F-35C will also serve as a very-low-observable complement to the Super Hornet.[447] On 27 June 2007, the carrier variant completed its Air System Critical Design Review (CDR). This allows the first two functional prototype F-35C units to be produced.[448] The C variant is expected to be available beginning in 2014.[449] The first F-35C was rolled out on 29 July 2009.[450] The United States Marine Corps will also purchase 80 F-35Cs, enough for five marine fighter-attack squadrons, for use with navy carrier air wings in a joint service agreement signed on 14 March 2011.[435][436][437] On 6 November 2010, the first F-35C arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. At the time, it was determined that the replacement engines for at-sea repair are too large to be transported by current underway replenishment systems.[451] In 2011, the F-35Cs were grounded for six days because of a software error in the code that was intended to keep the wings from folding in mid-flight.[452] On 27 July 2011, the F-35C test aircraft CF-3 completed its first steam catapult launch during a test flight in Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst. The TC-13 Mod 2 test steam catapult, representative of current fleet technology, was used. In addition to the catapult launches at varying power levels, the integrated test team is to execute a test plan over three weeks to include dual-aircraft jet blast deflector testing and catapult launches using a degraded catapult configuration to measure the effects of steam ingestion on the aircraft.[453]
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II On 13 August 2011, the F-35 integrated test force completed jet blast deflector (JBD) testing at the Lakehurst facility, with a round of two-aircraft testing. F-35C test aircraft CF-1 along with an F/A-18E tested a combined JBD cooling panel configuration to assess the integration of F-35s in aircraft carrier launch operations. We completed all of our JBD test points efficiently, said Andrew Maack, government chief test engineer. It was a great collaborative effort by all parties. The government and industry team completed tests that measured temperatures, pressures, sound levels, velocities, and other environmental data. The combined JBD model is to enable carrier deck crews to operate all air wing aircraft, now including the F-35C, as operational tempo requires. Future carrier suitability testing is scheduled throughout 2011, including ongoing catapult testing and the start of arrestment testing in preparation for initial ship trials in 2013.[454] On 18 November 2011, the U.S. Navy used its new Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) to catapult an F-35C into the air for the first time.[455] The USN is dealing with the following issues in adapting their carriers to operate the F-35C.[456] The F135 jet engine exceeds the weight capacity of traditional replenishment systems and generates more heat than previous engines. The F-35C's stealthy skin will require new repair techniques and extensive damage will require returning the aircraft to the factory for repairs. The F-35C uses volatile lithium-ion batteries and higher voltage systems than traditional fighters. The F-35C carries new weapons not previously used on carrier aircraft. The F-35C generates so much classified data that mission briefing rooms will require extra security.
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Other versions
F-35I The F-35I is an F-35A with Israeli modifications. A senior Israel Air Force official stated "the aircraft will be designated F-35I, as there will be unique Israeli features installed in them". Despite an initial refusal to allow such modifications, the U.S. has agreed to let Israel integrate its own electronic warfare systems into the aircrafts built-in electronic suite. That would let Israel gradually add indigenously produced EW sensors and countermeasures once it receives its first squadron. In addition, a plug-and-play feature added to the main computer will allow for the use of Israeli electronics in an add-on fashion. Israel will be able to fit its own external jamming pod and plans to install its own air-to-air missiles and guided bombs in the F-35s internal weapon bays.[457][458] A contract was issued for this in 2012.[175] Israeli pilots are scheduled to start training in F-35s in December 2016 with the first squadron activated about a year later.[459] Israel Aerospace Industries has considered playing a role in the development of a proposed two-seat F-35. An IAI executive stated, "There is a known demand for two seats not only from Israel but from other air forces. Advanced aircraft are usually two seats rather than single seats."[460] IAI also plans to produce conformal fuel tanks to extend the range.[461] A senior IAF official has said that elements of the stealth on the F-35 may be overcome in 5 to 10 years, while the aircraft will be in service for 30 to 40 years, which is why Israel has insisted on the ability to install their own electronic warfare systems. The basic F-35 design is OK. We can make do with adding integrated software.[462]
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II CF-35 The Canadian CF-35 is a proposed variant that would differ from the F-35A through the addition of a drag chute and an F-35B/C style refueling probe.[463][464] Norway may also use the drag chute option, as they also have icy runways.[268][465] The Norwegians have reported good results with using drag chutes on their current F-16 fleet and expect similar results with the F-35.[466] The alternative would be to adopt the F-35C for its probe refueling and lower landing speed, but the Parliamentary Budget Officer's report cited the F-35C's limited performance and payload as too high a price to pay.[467] Although the heavier F-35C airframe does reduce the maximum G-level as compared to the F-35A, the F-35C will have both the largest internal fuel capacity and longest range out of the three F-35 variants, though it will be more expensive than the F-35A. In 2012 it was revealed that the CF-35, if purchased, would use the same refueling system as the F-35A.[468]
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Operators
United States United States Air Force United States Marine Corps United Kingdom Royal Air Force Royal Navy
Specifications (F-35A)
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External images
F-35B Lightning II cutaway illustration Hi-res cutaway of F-35B Lightning II STOVL by [[Flight Global [469] ], 2006.] [239]
[194][470][471]
[245]
F-35 Program
General characteristics
Crew: 1 Length: 51.4ft (15.67m) Wingspan: 35ft[472] (10.7m) Height: 14.2ft[473] (4.33m) Wing area: 460ft[245] (42.7m) Empty weight: 29,300lb (13,300kg) Loaded weight: 49,540 lb[2][474][475] (22,470kg) Max. takeoff weight: 70,000lb[476] (31,800kg) Powerplant: 1 Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburning turbofan
Dry thrust: 28,000lbf[477][478] (125kN) Thrust with afterburner: 43,000lbf[477][479] (191kN) Internal fuel capacity: 18,480lb (8,382kg)[480]
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 1.6+[239] (1,200mph, 1,930km/h) (tested to Mach 1.61)[354] Range: 1,200nmi (2,220km) on internal fuel Combat radius: 584 nmi[481] (1,080 km) on internal fuel[482] Service ceiling: 60,000 ft[483] (18,288m) (tested to 43,000 ft)[484] Rate of climb: classified (not publicly available) Wing loading: 107.7lb/ft (446kg/m; 526 kg/m loaded) Thrust/weight:
With full fuel: 0.87 With 50% fuel: 1.07 Max g-limits: 9g[485] (4.6 g in a sustained turn[486])
Armament
Guns: 1 General Dynamics GAU-22/A Equalizer 25mm (0.984in) 4-barreled gatling cannon, internally mounted with 180 rounds[487][239] Hardpoints: 6 external pylons on wings with a capacity of 15,000lb (6,800kg)[239][245] and two internal bays with two pylons each[245] for a total weapons payload of 18,000lb (8,100kg)[194]and provisions to carry combinations of: Missiles: Air-to-air missiles: AIM-120 AMRAAM AIM-9X Sidewinder IRIS-T MBDA Meteor (pending further funding)[251]
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II AGM-158 JASSM[246] Brimstone missile / MBDA SPEAR[489] Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Storm Shadow missile SOM Anti-ship missiles: JSM LRASM[490] Bombs: Mark 84, Mark 83 and Mark 82 GP bombs Mk.20 Rockeye II cluster bomb Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser capable Paveway series laser-guided bombs Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) JDAM series B61 nuclear bomb[491] AGM-154 JSOW
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Avionics
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems AN/APG-81 AESA radar Lockheed Martin AAQ-40 E/O Targeting System (EOTS) Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS) missile warning system BAE Systems AN/ASQ-239 (Barracuda) electronic warfare system Harris Corporation Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) communication system
Max takeoff weight 70,000lb class (31,800kg) 60,000lb class (27,300kg) 70,000lb class (31,800kg) Range Combat radius on [492] internal fuel Thrust/weight full fuel: 50% fuel: 1,200nmi (2,220km) 584nmi (1,082km) 900nmi (1,670km) 469nmi (869km) 1,400nmi (2,520km) 615nmi (1,141km)
0.87 1.07
0.90 1.04
0.75 0.91
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References
Notes
[1] "US Air Force sees delay in operational use of F-35." (http:/ / www. defenceweb. co. za/ index. php?option=com_content& view=article& id=24292:us-air-force-sees-delay-in-operational-use-of-f-35& catid=35:Aerospace& Itemid=107) Reuters. 12 March 2012. [2] King, Samuel Jr. "First F-35 arrives at Eglin." (http:/ / www. af. mil/ news/ story. asp?id=123264068) U.S. Air Force, 15 July 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2011. [3] Houghton, Kimberley. "BAE Systems gets chunk of jet contract." (http:/ / www. unionleader. com/ article/ 20120105/ NEWS02/ 701059960) Union Leader, 5 January 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2012. [5] "FY 2013 Budget Estimates" (http:/ / www. saffm. hq. af. mil/ shared/ media/ document/ AFD-120210-115. pdf), p. 011. U.S. Air Force, February 2012. [6] "Department Of The Navy Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Budget Estimates, Aircraft Procurement Vol. I, BA 14." (http:/ / www. finance. hq. navy. mil/ fmb/ 13pres/ APN_BA1-4_BOOK. pdf), pp. 129, 143, Department of the Navy, February 2012. Retrieved 13 March 2012. [7] "Capabilities." (archived version) (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20100724021638/ http:/ / www. lockheedmartin. com/ products/ f35/ f-35-capabilities. html) Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 24 July 2010. [8] "Knesset Finance Committee approves F-35 deal." (http:/ / www. globes. co. il/ serveen/ globes/ docview. asp?did=1000589810) Globes (Israel). Retrieved 29 November 2010. [10] "F-35 Global Partnerships." (http:/ / www. lockheedmartin. com/ us/ products/ f35/ global-partnerships. html) Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 31 October 2012. [11] Dudley, Richard. "Program Partners Confirm Support for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter." (http:/ / defense-update. com/ 20120305_program-partners-confirm-support-for-f-35-joint-strike-fighter. html) Defence Update, 5 March 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2012. [12] "Israel plans for second F-35 squadron." (http:/ / www. upi. com/ Business_News/ Security-Industry/ 2012/ 02/ 27/ Israel-plans-for-second-F-35-squadron/ UPI-41711330368531/ ) United Press International, 27 February 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2012. [13] "US Lockheed Martin F-35 chosen as Japan fighter jet." (http:/ / www. bbc. co. uk/ news/ world-asia-16259895) BBC News, 20 December 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2011. [14] Fukue, Natsuko. "U.S.-made F-35 is chosen for ASDF." (http:/ / www. japantimes. co. jp/ text/ nn20111220x2. html) Japan Times, 21 December 2011, p. 1. [15] Wall, Robert, "Lockheed Dismisses Korea F-35 Schedule Issue." (http:/ / www. aviationweek. com/ aw/ generic/ story_channel. jsp?channel=defense& id=news/ asd/ 2012/ 02/ 20/ 05. xml) Aviation Week. 21 February 2012. [16] "Lockheed Martin F22 and F35 5th Gen Revolution In Military Aviation." (http:/ / www. spacedaily. com/ reports/ Lockheed_Martin_F22_and_F35_5th_Gen_Revolution_In_Military_Aviation. html) Space Daily, 22 February 2006. [17] "F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Lightning II." (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ systems/ aircraft/ f-35. htm) Global Security. Retrieved 7 April 2010. [18] Keijsper 2007, p. 119. [19] Polmar 2005, p. 398. [20] Parsch, Andreas. "Designation Systems." (http:/ / www. designation-systems. net/ usmilav/ nonstandard-mds. html#_MDS_F35) Designation Systems, 27 April 2006. Retrieved 23 November 2009. [21] Time magazine, 25 February 2013, pp. 26-30, feature article by Mark Thompson, "The Most Expensive Weapon Ever Built"; lack of 2-seat trainer variants cited on page 27. [23] Keijsper 2007, pp. 122, 124. [24] Fulghum, David A. and Robert Wall. "USAF Plans for Fighters Change." (http:/ / www. aviationweek. com/ aw/ generic/ story_generic. jsp?channel=awst& id=news/ 09204wna. xml) Aviation Week and Space Technology, 19 September 2004. Retrieved 12 September 2011. [25] Keijsper 2007, p. 124, [27] "'Lightning II' moniker given to Joint Strike Fighter." (http:/ / www. af. mil/ news/ story. asp?id=123022931) Air Force Link, United States Air Force, 7 June 2006. Retrieved 1 December 2008. [28] Quote: "The F-35 Lightning II will carry on the legacy of two of the greatest and most capable fighter aircraft of all time. Just as the P-38 and the British Lightning were at the top of their class during their day, the F-35 will redefine multi-role fighter capability in the 21st century." Ralph D. Heath, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.<ref name="jsf_name_announcement">Kent, John R. and John Smith. "Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter Officially Named 'Lightning II'." (http:/ / www. jsf. mil/ downloads/ documents/ JSF_F-35_2006_Inauguration Press Release. doc) Lockheed Martin press release, 7 July 2006. Retrieved 28 May 2009. [29] "F-35 Joint Strike Fighter was officially named Lightning II." (http:/ / www. lockheedmartin. com/ us/ news/ press-releases/ 2006/ july/ LOCKHEEDMARTINJOINTSTRIKEFIGHTEROFF. html) Lockheed Martin, 7 July 2006. [30] Kent, John R. and Joseph W. Stout. "Weight-Optimized F-35 Test Fleet Adds Conventional Take off And Landing Variant." (http:/ / www. lockheedmartin. com/ us/ news/ press-releases/ 2008/ december/ Weight-OptimizedF-35TestF. html) Lockheed Martin, 23 December 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2009. [31] "F-35 Distributed Aperture System (EO DAS)." (http:/ / www. es. northropgrumman. com/ solutions/ f35targeting/ ) Northrop Grumman. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
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[275] "Joint Communications Release, JSF Program Office & Lockheed Martin. Subject: F-35 Acoustics Based on Edwards AFB Acoustics, Test." (http:/ / docs. google. com/ viewer?a=v& q=cache:0yIuRIMUDwcJ:www. f-16. net/ f-16_forum_download-id-11481. html+ F-35+ acoustics+ test& hl=en& gl=us& pid=bl& srcid=ADGEESgfOwRZ9Cjk22IknVc6me97wPUsleYuw0aMTdia4Djkgx1C9hhiMOuSU_O7s1I8aaIh_NhSvO0kZlrK_05iNQvB_iCtyQWQ7d4uPEYz4oCoC6ef sig=AHIEtbTRsgZXOeGUg90opGYn6e-msBU02w) JSF Program Office & Lockheed Martin, April 2009. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
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Citations Bibliography
Borgu, Aldo. A Big Deal: Australia's Future Air Combat Capability. Canberra: Australian Strategic Policy Institute, 2004. ISBN 1-920722-25-4. Gunston, Bill. Yakovlev Aircraft since 1924. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1997. ISBN 1-55750-978-6. Keijsper, Gerald. Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. London: Pen & Sword Aviation, 2007. ISBN 978-1-84415-631-3. Kopp, Carlo and Peter Goon. "Joint Strike Fighter." (http://www.ausairpower.net/jsf.html) Air Power Australia. Retrieved 15 July 2007. Lake, Jon. "The West's Great Hope". Air Force Monthly, December 2010. Polmar, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet. (http://books.google. com/books?id=8MwyTX-iA2wC&lpg=PA397&ots=J0EIrtjWRn&dq="attack aircraft" "strike fighter" types& pg=PA398#v=onepage&q="attack aircraft" "strike fighter" types&f=false) Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 2005. ISBN 978-1-59114-685-8. Spick, Mike. The Illustrated Directory of Fighters. London: Salamander, 2002. ISBN 1-84065-384-1. Winchester, Jim. "Lockheed Martin X-35/F-35 JSF". Concept Aircraft: Prototypes, X-Planes and Experimental Aircraft. Kent, UK: Grange Books plc., 2005. ISBN 1-59223-480-1.
External links
Official JSF web site (http://www.jsf.mil/), Official JSF videos (http://www.jsf.mil/gallery/gal_video.htm) Official F-35 Team web site (http://f35.com/) JSF UK Team (http://www.jsf.org.uk/) F-35 Royal Air Force (http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/f35jointstrikefighter.cfm) U.S. Navy Research, Development & Acquisition, F-35 page (http://acquisition.navy.mil/programs/air/ f_35_jsf) F-35 profile on Scramble Dutch Aviation Society (http://wiki.scramble.nl/index.php/ Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II) U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm), NAVAIR news (http://www. navair.navy.mil/news) F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/jsf/)
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File:US Navy 111003-N-ZZ999-002 An F-35B Lightning II makes the first vertical landing on a flight deck at sea aboard the amphibious assault ship USS W.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:US_Navy_111003-N-ZZ999-002_An_F-35B_Lightning_II_makes_the_first_vertical_landing_on_a_flight_deck_at_sea_aboard_the_amphibious_assault_ship_USS_W.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Benchill, Sreejithk2000, Tm File:US Navy 111005-N-ZZ999-055 The F-35B Lightning 11 takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1).jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:US_Navy_111005-N-ZZ999-055_The_F-35B_Lightning_11_takes_off_from_the_amphibious_assault_ship_USS_Wasp_(LHD_1).jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Benchill, Curioushavedape, Jetijones File:US Navy 111118-N-GR159-003 An F-35C Lightning II test aircraft piloted by Lt. Christopher Tabert launches for the first time from the new electroma.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:US_Navy_111118-N-GR159-003_An_F-35C_Lightning_II_test_aircraft_piloted_by_Lt._Christopher_Tabert_launches_for_the_first_time_from_the_new_electroma.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Benchill File:Flag of the United States.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_United_States.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie, Good Olfactory, Mifter File:F-35A three-view.PNG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:F-35A_three-view.PNG License: Public Domain Contributors: F-35A_Front.jpg: www.jsf.mil F-35A_Side.jpg: www.jsf.mil F-35A_Top.jpg: www.jsf.mil derivative work: The High Fin Sperm Whale File:F-35 in hangar.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:F-35_in_hangar.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Original uploader was Mark83 at en.wikipedia File:F-35B cutaway with LiftFan.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:F-35B_cutaway_with_LiftFan.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Brigadier General Charles R.Davis, USAF File:Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - A pilot pilots the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter test aircraft..jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flickr_-_Official_U.S._Navy_Imagery_-_A_pilot_pilots_the_F-35B_Joint_Strike_Fighter_test_aircraft..jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Contributors: Official Navy Page from United States of America Andy Wolfe/U.S. Navy File:Nuvola apps kview.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Nuvola_apps_kview.svg License: unknown Contributors: Ch1902, Saibo file:Searchtool.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Searchtool.svg License: GNU Lesser General Public License Contributors: Anomie
License
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported //creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/