Threat For World : F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
Additional systems on the F-35 include:
- Northrup Grumman 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
The Air Force expects that to purchase 1763 F-35s to complement the F-22 Raptor and replace the F-16 as an air-toground strike aircraft. The Air Force variant includes an internal gun, infrared sensors, and laser designator. 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. At the same time, the Air Force F-35 will have to improve upon the high standards created by the F-16. Since replacement of the F-16 by the F-35 will entail a significant payload reduction, the F-35 faces a very demanding one shot one kill requirement.US Navy
The requirement for carrier operations creates the largest 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. Leadingedge 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. In addition, the landing gear has longer stroke and higher load capacity, and of course an arresting hook is added. Compared to the F-18C, the F-35 has twice the range on internal fuel.. The design is also optimized for survivability, which is a key Navy requirement. Like the USAF version, the Navy version will incorporate an internal gun and sensors. This new fighter will be used by the Navy as a first-day-of-war attack fighter in conjunction with the F/A-18 Hornet. The Navy plans to purchase 480 JSF.
US Marine Corps
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. The USMC expects their version of the JSF will replace the F/A-18 Hornet and the AV-8 Harrier. The Marine Corps expects to purchase 480 STOVL versions of the F-35.
United Kingdom Royal Navy and Air Force
This version will be very similar to the one procured by the United States Marine Corps
Specifications | |||
Function | strike fighter | ||
Contractor | two competing teams: Lockheed-Martin Boeing | ||
Service | U.S. Air Force | U.S. Marine Corps U.K. Royal Navy | U.S. Navy |
Variants | Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) | Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) | Carrier-based (CV) |
Unit Cost FY94$ | $28M | $35M | $38M |
Propulsion | Baseline: Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 derivative from F-22 Raptor Alternate Engine: General Electric F120 core | ||
Thrust | | ||
Empty Weight | ~22,500 lbs | ~24,000 lbs | |
Internal Fuel | 15,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs | |
Payload | 13,000 lbs | 17,000 lbs | |
Maximum Takeoff Weight | ~50,000 lbs | ||
Length | 45 feet | ||
Wingspan | 36 feet | 30 feet | |
Height | | | |
Ceiling | | | |
Speed | supersonic | ||
Combat Radius | over 600 nautical miles | ||
Crew | one | ||
Armament | | | |
First flight | 1999 | ||
Date Deployed | 2008 | ||
Inventory Objectives | U.S. Air Force 1,763 aircraft | U.S. Marine Corps 480 aircraft U.K. Royal Navy 60 aircraft | U.S. Navy 480 aircraft |