Last updated: February 18, 2026
✈️ Aircraft Specifications
| Designation | F-35A/B/C |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Flight | 2006 |
| Length | 15.67 m (51.4 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 1.6 |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 1,975 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 15,240 m (50,002 ft) |
| Range | 2,220 km (1,379 mi) |
| Engine | 1x Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Status | Active |
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.
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