The F-35 Lightning II, commonly known as the F-35, is a fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin. It is one of the most advanced and versatile fighter jets in the world. Here are some key features and information about the F-35:
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Variants: The F-35 program includes three main variants:
- F-35A: Conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, designed for the U.S. Air Force and other air forces.
- F-35B: Short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant, designed for the U.S. Marine Corps and capable of operating from amphibious assault ships.
- F-35C: Carrier-based variant, designed for the U.S. Navy and optimized for operations from aircraft carriers.
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Stealth Capabilities: The F-35 incorporates advanced stealth technology, making it difficult to detect by radar systems. Its stealth features include a combination of shape, materials, and coatings that reduce its radar signature, allowing it to operate in highly contested airspace with reduced vulnerability to enemy air defenses.
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Sensor Suite: The F-35 is equipped with an advanced sensor suite that includes an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electro-optical targeting system, and distributed aperture system. These sensors provide the pilot with situational awareness and enable the aircraft to gather and share real-time information with other friendly platforms.
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Avionics and Computing Power: The F-35 utilizes advanced avionics and computing capabilities, including the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), which helps with mission planning, maintenance, and logistics support. It also features a sophisticated sensor fusion system that combines data from various sensors, providing the pilot with a comprehensive view of the battlespace.
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Weapons Systems: The F-35 can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons internally, reducing its radar signature. It also has external hardpoints to carry additional weapons and fuel tanks. The aircraft is designed to be highly versatile, capable of performing air superiority, close air support, reconnaissance, and other missions.
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International Participation: The F-35 program is a multinational effort, with several countries participating in its development and procurement. The United States is the primary operator and has the largest fleet of F-35s, but many international partners and foreign military customers, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, and Japan, have also acquired or plan to acquire the aircraft.
The F-35 has faced some challenges during its development and deployment, including cost overruns and technical issues. However, it continues to be an important asset for modern air forces, combining advanced capabilities, stealth, and interoperability with allied forces.
The following air forces are known to be using or have plans to use the F-35 Lightning II:
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United States Air Force (USAF): The United States is the largest operator of the F-35, with the USAF being the primary service branch utilizing the aircraft.
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United States Marine Corps (USMC): The USMC operates the F-35B variant, which is capable of short takeoff and vertical landing.
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United States Navy (USN): The USN operates the F-35C variant, specifically designed for carrier-based operations.
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Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Navy: The United Kingdom has chosen the F-35 as its next-generation aircraft and operates both F-35B and F-35C variants. The RAF and Royal Navy jointly operate the aircraft.
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Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF): Australia has committed to acquiring the F-35A variant and has begun receiving deliveries.
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Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) and Italian Navy: Italy operates the F-35A variant in its air force and has plans to operate the F-35B variant on its aircraft carrier.
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Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke Luchtmacht): The Netherlands has opted for the F-35A variant and has started integrating the aircraft into its air force.
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Royal Norwegian Air Force (Luftforsvaret): Norway has chosen the F-35A variant and has begun deploying and operating the aircraft.
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Israeli Air Force (Heyl Ha'Avir): Israel operates the F-35I variant, which includes unique features and modifications tailored to Israeli requirements.
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Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Kōkū Jieitai): Japan has selected the F-35A variant as its next-generation fighter and has started receiving deliveries.
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Republic of Korea Air Force (Hanguk Gonggun): South Korea operates the F-35A variant and has been receiving aircraft deliveries.
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Belgian Air Component (Belgische Luchtmacht/Force Aérienne Belge): Belgium has chosen the F-35A variant to replace its aging F-16 fleet and has started receiving deliveries.
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Turkish Air Force (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri): Turkey was originally part of the F-35 program but was removed due to geopolitical issues, and its participation is uncertain at the time of my knowledge cutoff.
Specifications of the F-35 Lightning II:
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Dimensions:
- Length: 51.2 feet (15.7 meters)
- Wingspan: 35 feet (10.7 meters)
- Height: 14.3 feet (4.36 meters)
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Weight:
- Empty Weight: F-35A - 29,300 pounds (13,300 kilograms) F-35B - 32,300 pounds (14,700 kilograms) F-35C - 34,800 pounds (15,800 kilograms)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: F-35A - 70,000 pounds (31,800 kilograms) F-35B - 60,000 pounds (27,200 kilograms) F-35C - 70,000 pounds (31,800 kilograms)
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Engine:
- F-35A: Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 afterburning turbofan engine
- F-35B: Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-600B STOVL afterburning turbofan engine
- F-35C: Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-400 afterburning turbofan engine (Note: The F-35B variant also includes a Rolls-Royce LiftSystem for vertical landing and short takeoff)
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Maximum Speed: Approximately Mach 1.6 (1,200+ mph or 1,930+ km/h)
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Range:
- F-35A: Approximately 1,200 nautical miles (2,200 kilometers) on internal fuel
- F-35B: Approximately 900 nautical miles (1,700 kilometers) on internal fuel
- F-35C: Approximately 1,200 nautical miles (2,200 kilometers) on internal fuel
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Combat Radius:
- F-35A: Approximately 590 nautical miles (1,093 kilometers)
- F-35B: Approximately 450 nautical miles (833 kilometers)
- F-35C: Approximately 600 nautical miles (1,111 kilometers)
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Service Ceiling: Approximately 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)
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Armament:
- Internal Weapons Bay: Capable of carrying various air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and bombs
- External Hardpoints: Additional capacity for weapons, fuel tanks, or other stores
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Crew: Single-seat configuration
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Avionics and Systems:
- Advanced sensor suite, including AESA radar, electro-optical targeting system, and distributed aperture system
- Sensor fusion system for integrating and sharing data from multiple sensors
- Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) for mission planning, maintenance, and logistics support
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