Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

Overview

The F-35 Lightning II is the most expensive weapons program in history and the most advanced multirole stealth fighter ever produced. Three variants serve the US military and 15+ allied nations, creating an unprecedented interoperable coalition force.

Design & Development

The F-35 comes in three variants: F-35A (conventional takeoff for air forces), F-35B (STOVL with lift fan for Marines and allied carriers), and F-35C (carrier variant for the US Navy). All share the same stealth airframe, AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS) providing 360° infrared awareness, and helmet-mounted display that lets pilots see through the aircraft.

Operational History

Over 1,000 F-35s have been delivered worldwide. It has been declared combat-ready by the USMC (2015), USAF (2016), USN (2019), and numerous allies. Israel was first to use it in combat in 2018. The F-35 program will produce over 3,000 aircraft and remain in service past 2070.

Armament

• 1× GAU-22/A 25mm cannon (F-35A internal; B/C pod)
• Internal bays:
  • 4× AIM-120 AMRAAM
  • 2× GBU-31 JDAM or 8× GBU-39 SDB
  • 2× AIM-9X (side bays)
• Beast Mode (external):
  • Up to 22,000 lb total
  • AGM-158 JASSM
  • AGM-88G AARGM-ER
  • Paveway IV / JSOW
  • B61-12 nuclear bomb

Video

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the F-35?

The F-35 has a top speed of Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph). It prioritizes stealth and sensor fusion over raw speed.

What are the three F-35 variants?

F-35A (conventional, USAF), F-35B (STOVL, USMC/RAF), and F-35C (carrier-based, US Navy).

How many F-35s have been built?

Over 1,000 F-35s delivered as of 2024, with plans for 3,000+ total.

Is the F-35 still in production?

Yes. The F-35 is operational with 15+ nations and is the largest Western fighter program in history.

References & Sources

• Wikipedia — F-35 Lightning II
• US Air Force — F-35 Lightning II
• Lockheed Martin — F-35 Lightning II