F-35A

F-35 Alpha

Design & Features

Performance & Operations

History & Development

Stealth Design: Advanced stealth technology reduces radar cross-section for enhanced survivability.
Single-Engine Configuration: Powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine for high thrust and reliability.
Internal Weapons Bay: Maintains stealth while carrying AIM-120 AMRAAMs, GBU-31 JDAMs, and other munitions.
25mm GAU-22/A Cannon: Internal gun for close air support and air-to-ground engagements.
Advanced Avionics & Sensor Fusion: Integrates data from multiple sensors for superior situational awareness.
Glass Cockpit: Large touchscreen display and Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) for enhanced pilot interface.
Network-Centric Design: Real-time data sharing with allied forces for coordinated operations.

History & Development

Performance & Operations

History & Development

Joint Strike Fighter Program: Initiated in the 1990s to develop a multi-role stealth fighter for the U.S. military and allies.
Contract Awarded to Lockheed Martin: Selected in 2001 after winning against Boeing’s X-32 prototype.
First Flight in 2006: Demonstrated CTOL (Conventional Takeoff and Landing) capabilities.
Entered Service in 2015: Designed to replace aging fleets of F-16s and A-10s.
International Collaboration: Developed with participation from 8 partner nations for global interoperability.
Continuous Upgrades: Ongoing software updates and hardware improvements enhance capabilities.

Performance & Operations

Performance & Operations

Performance & Operations

Top Speed of Mach 1.6: Supersonic speed for rapid response and combat maneuverability.
Combat Radius: Over 600 nautical miles for extended mission reach.
Payload Capacity: Carries up to 18,000 pounds of ordnance with internal and external configurations.
Agile Maneuverability: Advanced aerodynamics and fly-by-wire flight controls for superior agility.
AN/APG-81 AESA Radar: Long-range detection and tracking of air and ground targets.
Distributed Aperture System (DAS): 360-degree situational awareness with infrared and night vision capabilities.
Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS): Streamlined maintenance and logistics for operational readiness.