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Images of the F-35B

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F-35 Bravo

Design & Features

Performance & Operations

History & Development

 

  • Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL): Equipped with a LiftFan and rotating rear nozzle for vertical landings on ships and short runways.
  • Stealth Design: Low radar cross-section for stealth operations in hostile environments.
  • Single-Engine Configuration: Powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-600 engine tailored for STOVL capability.
  • Internal Weapons Bay: Maintains stealth while carrying AIM-120 AMRAAMs, GBU-32 JDAMs, and other precision munitions.
  • Advanced Avionics & Sensor Fusion: Combines data from multiple sensors for enhanced situational awareness.
  • Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS): Provides pilots with a 360-degree view and targeting information.
  • Glass Cockpit: Touchscreen displays for intuitive control and enhanced pilot interface.
  • Shipboard Compatibility: Reinforced landing gear and corrosion-resistant coatings for operations on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.

History & Development

Performance & Operations

History & Development

 

  • Joint Strike Fighter Program: Designed to meet the needs of the U.S. Marine Corps, Royal Navy, and other allied forces for a STOVL-capable stealth fighter.
  • Contract Awarded to Lockheed Martin: Selected in 2001 as the winner over Boeing's X-32 design.
  • First Flight in 2008: Demonstrated vertical landing and short takeoff capabilities.
  • Entered Service in 2015: With the U.S. Marine Corps, becoming the first operational STOVL stealth fighter.
  • International Collaboration: Developed with participation from 8 partner nations for global deployment.
  • Challenges & Delays: Faced technical challenges with the LiftFan and software integration, leading to delayed deployment.

Performance & Operations

Performance & Operations

Performance & Operations

 

  • Top Speed of Mach 1.6: Supersonic speed for rapid deployment and combat operations.
  • Combat Radius: Approximately 450 nautical miles for STOVL missions.
  • Payload Capacity: Carries up to 15,000 pounds of ordnance with internal and external configurations.
  • Agile Maneuverability: Advanced aerodynamics and fly-by-wire flight controls for high maneuverability.
  • AN/APG-81 AESA Radar: Provides long-range detection and tracking of air and ground targets.
  • Distributed Aperture System (DAS): 360-degree infrared situational awareness for threat detection.
  • Vertical Landing Capability: Unique ability to land vertically, suitable for operations from amphibious assault ships.
  • Network-Centric Warfare: Real-time data sharing with allied forces for coordinated operations.

Other Variants of the F-35

F-35A
F-35C

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