The F-35 is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multi-role fighter. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter aircraft ever built. The F-35’s ability to collect, analyse and share data is a dominant force multiplier enhancing all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace and enabling pilots in uniform to execute their mission and come home safe.
The F-35 is the result of the Defense Department’s Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, which sought to build a multirole fighter optimized for the air-to-ground role with secondary air-to-air capability. The JSF requirement was to meet the needs of the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allies, with improved survivability, precision engagement capability, and reduced life-cycle costs. By using many of the same technologies developed for the F-22, the F-35 has the opportunity to capitalise on commonality and modularity to maximise affordability.
It was 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,” according to Mark Shackelford, acquisition deputy to the assistant secretary of the US Air Force.
Lockheed Martin delivered nearly 300 F-35 aircraft operating from 15 bases globally, and the programme has achieved more than 140,000 flight hours.
F-35’s Mission Capability
Electronic Attack
Advanced electronic warfare capabilities enable the F-35 to locate and track enemy forces, jam radio frequencies and disrupt attacks with unparalleled precision. All three variants of the F-35 carry active, electronically scanned array (AESA) radars with sophisticated electronic attack capabilities, including false targets, network attack, advanced jamming and algorithm-packed data streams. This system allows the F-35 to reach well-defended targets and suppress enemy radars that threaten the F-35. Also, the ASQ-239 system provides fully integrated radar warning, targeting support, and self-protection, to detect and defeat surface and airborne threats.
While F-35 is capable of stand-off jamming for other aircraft — providing 10 times the effective radiated power of any legacy fighter — F-35s can also operate near the threat (‘stand-in’) to provide jamming power many multiples that of any legacy fighter.
Air-to-surface
The F-35’s very low-observable (VLO) stealth allows it to safely enter defended airspace areas without being seen by radars that 4th Generation and earlier legacy fighters cannot evade. The combination of the stealth features, active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar technology, and the aircraft’s ability to carry its full component of weapons stores and fuel internally allows F-35 pilots to engage ground targets at longer ranges without being detected and tracked, using precision-guided munitions and air-to-air radar-guided missiles to complete air-to-ground missions. In this “clean” configuration, the F-35 will enter the air battlespace first, clearing the way with air dominance for follow-on legacy coalition forces to operate with relative impunity.
Air-to-air
The F-35’s integrated sensors, information and weapons systems give pilots an advantage over potential threat front-line fighter aircraft. Compared to 5th Generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22, legacy aircraft have a larger radar cross-section (RCS), which means enemy radar can more easily detect them. In aerial combat, legacy aircraft have relatively equal opportunities to detect and engage one another, while a 5th Generation fighter pilot can see enemy aircraft first and take decisive, lethal action from a stand-off distance. The ability to see and not be seen is redefining the previous generation air-to-air tactics.
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
Drawing on the advantage of stealth, advanced sensors, and data fusion providing enhanced pilot situational awareness, F-35 pilots can fly critical ISR missions with more sophisticated data capture than any previous fighter aircraft. The F-35 has the most powerful and comprehensive integrated sensor package of any fighter aircraft in history, giving pilots 360-degree access to “real-time” battlefield information. The information gathered by F-35 sensors can be securely shared with commanders at sea, in the air or on the ground, providing a comprehensive view of ongoing operations.
Much of the F-35’s electronic warfare and ISR capabilities are made possible by a core processor that can perform more than 400 billion operations per second. This core processor collects data from the classified, electronic warfare suite, developed by BAE Systems, to identify enemy radar and electronic warfare emissions and, as happens with the eight sensor Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) providing the pilot 360-degree coverage, recommending which target to attack and whether he or she should use either kinetic or electronic means to counter or negate the threat.
Interoperability
When it comes to having a ‘quarterback’ for the coalition joint strike force, the inter-operable F-35 is the aircraft for the leadership role. The F-35 is designed to share everything it can see with other aircraft and operation centers to expand situational awareness across the entire network of aircraft. F-35s can support legacy aircraft, as well as other F-35s, to achieve mission success and survivability using a combination of stealth, electronic attack, information sharing, and other measures.
Full Mission Systems Coverage
The term “mission systems” refers to the avionics, integrated electronic sensors, displays and communications systems that collect and share data with the pilot and other friendly aircraft, at sea and on the ground. The F-35 has the most robust communications suite of any fighter aircraft built, to date. Components include the AESA radar, EOTS targeting system, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), Helmet Mounted Display (HMD), and the Communications, Navigation and Identification (CNI) Avionics.
Stealth
The stealth capabilities in the F-35 are unprecedented in military aviation. An integrated airframe design, advanced materials and other features maximise the F-35’s stealth features. Extensive analysis and flight test of the survivability of the F-35 with its combination of stealth, advanced sensors, data fusion, sophisticated countermeasures, and electronic attack demonstrate its superior advantages conclusively over legacy aircraft.
The F-35’s stealth capabilities are unprecedented in tactical fighter aviation. An integrated airframe design, advanced materials and other features make the F-35 virtually undetectable to enemy radar. Extensive analysis and flight test of the survivability of the F-35 with its combination of stealth, advanced sensors, data fusion, sophisticated countermeasures, and electronic attack demonstrate its superior advantages conclusively over legacy aircraft.
Specifications
Aircraft Version F-35A F-35B F-35C Special requirements CTOL Conventional Takeoff and Landing STOVL Short Takeoff / Vertical Landing CV Carrier Version Length 51.4 ft / 15.7 m 51.2 ft / 15.6 m 51.5 ft / 15.7 m Height 14.4 ft / 4.38 m 14.3 ft / 4.36 m 14.7 ft / 4.48 m Wingspan 35 ft / 10.7 m 35 ft / 10.7 m 43 ft / 13.1 m Wing area 460 ft2 / 42.7 m2 460 ft2 / 42.7 m2 668 ft2 / 62.1 m2 Horizontal tail span 22.5 ft / 6.86 m 21.8 ft / 6.65 m 26.3 ft / 8.02 m
Weight empty 29,300 lb 32,300 lb 34,800 lb
Internal fuel capacity 18,250 lb / 8278 kg 13,500 lb / 6,125 kg 19,750 lb / 8,960kg
Weapons payload 18,000 lb / 8,160 kg 15,000 lb / 6,800kg 18,000 lb / 8,160 kg
Maximum weight 70,000 lb class 60,000 lb class 70,000 lb class
Max g-rating 9.0 7.0 7.5 Range (internal fuel) >1,200 nm / 2,200 km (USAF profile) >900 nm / 1,667 km (USMC profile) >1,200 nm / 2,200 km (USN profile)
Combat radius
(internal fuel)
>590 nm / 1,093 km (USAF profile) >450 nm / 833 km (USMC profile) >600 nm / 1,100 km (USN profile)
Propulsion F135-PW-100
40,000 lb Max.
25,000 lb Mil.
Vertical N/A
F135-PW-600
40,000 lb Max.
25,000 lb Mil.
40,500 lb Vertical
F135-PW-100
40,000 lb Max.
25,000 lb Mil.
Vertical N/A
Speed
(full internal weapons load)
Mach 1.6 (~1,200 mph) Mach 1.6 (~1,200 mph) Mach 1.6 (~1,200 mph) Data Link Link 16 Link 16 Link 16 Sensors AN/APG-81 AESA Radar AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS) Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) AN/APG-81 AESA Radar AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS) Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) AN/APG-81 AESA Radar AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS) Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) Gun one 25-mm GAU-12
180 rounds
one 25-mm GAU-12
220 rounds
one 25-mm GAU-12
220 rounds
Two internal weapon bays 2 AIM-120C AMRAAM or 2 AIM-132 ASRAAM and
2 AGM-154 JSOW or 2 Brimstone or 2 GBU-12 Paveway LGB or 2 GBU-31/32/38 JDAM or 8 GBU-39 SDB or 2 CBU-87/89 CBU or 2 CBU-103/104/105 WCMD
2 AIM-120C AMRAAM or 2 AIM-132 ASRAAM and
2 AGM-154 JSOW or 2 Brimstone or 2 GBU-12 Paveway LGB or 2 GBU-31/32/38 JDAM or 8 GBU-39 SDB or 2 CBU-87/89 CBU or 2 CBU-103/104/105 WCMD
2 AIM-120C AMRAAM or 2 AIM-132 ASRAAM and
2 AGM-154 JSOW or 2 Brimstone or 2 GBU-12 Paveway LGB or 2 GBU-31/32/38 JDAM or 8 GBU-39 SDB or 2 CBU-87/89 CBU or 2 CBU-103/104/105 WCMD
External Weapon Bay 2 under-wing missiles 2 AIM-9X Sidewinder or 2 AIM-120B/C AMRAAM 2 under-wing missiles 2 AIM-9X Sidewinder or 2 AIM-120B/C AMRAAM 2 under-wing missiles 2 AIM-9X Sidewinder or 2 AIM-120B/C AMRAAM 4 hardpoints
AGM-65 Maverick
AGM-88 HARM
AGM-158 JASSM
Storm Shadow
GBU-10/12/16/24 LGB
GBU-31 JDAM
Mk 82/83/84 GP
CBU-99/100 Rockeye II
transport pods
4 hardpoints
AGM-65 Maverick
AGM-88 HARM
AGM-158 JASSM
Storm Shadow
GBU-10/12/16/24 LGB
GBU-31 JDAM
Mk 82/83/84 GP
CBU-99/100 Rockeye II
transport pods
4 hardpoints
AGM-65 Maverick
AGM-88 HARM
AGM-158 JASSM
Storm Shadow
GBU-10/12/16/24 LGB
GBU-31 JDAM
Mk 82/83/84 GP
CBU-99/100 Rockeye II
transport pods
Unti Cost
F-35A – US$ 94.3 million
F-35B – US$122.4 million
F-35C – US$121.2 million
Sensors
Northrup Grumman AN/APG-81 advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) multi-function radar
Snader/Litton Amecon electronic countermeasures equipment
Lockheed Martin electro-optical targeting system
Northrup Grumman distributed aperture infrared sensor (DAIRS) thermal imaging system
Vision Systems International advanced helmet-mounted display
F-35 Variants
US Air Force – F-35A
This is the technologically simplest version of the JSF, in that it does not require hover or aircraft carrier capability. Therefore it does not require the vertical thrust or the handling qualities for catapult launches, augmented control authority at landing approach speeds and strengthened structure to handle arrested landings.
Marine Corp – F-35B
The distinguishing feature of the USMC version of the JSF is its short takeoff/vertical landing capability (STOVL). There will not be an internally mounted machine gun, but an external gun can be fitted. This version requires controllability on all axes while hovering. Another critical design feature is its impact on the ground surface beneath it during hover.
US Navy – F-35C
The requirement for carrier operations creates the most significant differences between the Air Force and Navy version. The naval version has larger wing and tail control surfaces to enable low-speed approaches to aircraft carriers. Leading-edge flaps and foldable wing tip sections account for this increased wing area. The larger wing area also provides the Navy version with an increased payload capability. To support the stresses of carrier landings and catapult launches, the internal structure of this version is strengthened. Also, the landing gear has a longer stroke and higher load capacity, and of course, an arresting hook is added.
Current Operators
The United States Air Force
The US Navy
The US Marine Corp
Japanese Self Defence Air Force
British Royal Air Force
British Royal Navy
Royal Australian Air Force
The Dutch Air Force
The Turkish Air Force
Italian Air Force
Israeli Air Force
Danish Air Force
Norwegian Air Force
Republic Of Korea Air Force
Singaporean Air Force
Potential Operators
German Air Force
Indian Air Force
Royal Saudi Air Force
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Stealth 5th Generation Fighter jet The F-35 is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multi-role fighter. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter aircraft ever built.
