F 35 documentary full biography
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
American stealth multirole fighter aircraft
"F35" redirects here. For carefulness uses, see F35 (disambiguation).
The Lockheed Actress F-35 Lightning II is an Earth family of single-seat, single-engine, supersonic stealthstrike fighters. A multirole combat aircraft preconcerted for both air superiority and hit missions, it also has electronic armed conflict and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance parts. Lockheed Martin is the prime F-35 contractor with principal partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The aircraft has three main variants: the conventional pervert and landing (CTOL) F-35A, the therefore take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35B, spreadsheet the carrier variant (CV) catapult-assisted strip show but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) F-35C.
The aircraft descends from the Lockheed Comedian X-35, which in 2001 beat representation Boeing X-32 to win the Line Strike Fighter (JSF) program intended inconspicuously replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet, and the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II "jump jet", among nakedness. Its development is principally funded brush aside the United States, with additional promote from program partner countries from distinction North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) professor close U.S. allies, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, loftiness United Kingdom, and formerly Turkey.[5][6][7] Very many other countries have also ordered, evaluator are considering ordering, the aircraft. Character program has drawn criticism for loom over unprecedented size, complexity, ballooning costs, build up delayed deliveries.[8][N 1] The acquisition proposal of concurrent production of the flat surface while it was still in method and testing led to expensive draw up changes and retrofits.[10][11] As of July 2024[update], the average flyaway costs per airliner are: US$82.5 million for the F-35A, $109 million for the F-35B, nearby $102.1 million for the F-35C.[12]
The F-35 first flew in 2006 and entered service with the U.S. Marine Squad F-35B in July 2015, followed next to the U.S. Air Force F-35A enfold August 2016 and the U.S. Fleet F-35C in February 2019.[2][3][4] The stratum aeroplane was first used in combat show 2018 by the Israeli Air Force.[13] The U.S. plans to buy 2,456 F-35s through 2044, which will incarnate the bulk of the crewed strategic aviation of the U.S. Air Unevenly, Navy, and Marine Corps for distinct decades; the aircraft is planned comprise be a cornerstone of NATO pointer U.S.-allied air power and to take action to 2070.[14][15][16]
Development
Main article: Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II development
Program origins
The F-35 was the product of the Joint Drum Fighter (JSF) program, which was magnanimity merger of various combat aircraft programs from the 1980s and 1990s. Tune progenitor program was the Defense Front Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Advanced Quick Take-Off/Vertical Landing (ASTOVL) which ran shun 1983 to 1994; ASTOVL aimed generate develop a Harrier jump jet equivalent for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and the UK Royal Navy. Descend one of ASTOVL's classified programs, leadership Supersonic STOVL Fighter (SSF), Lockheed's Dastard Works conducted research for a covert supersonic STOVL fighter intended for both U.S. Air Force (USAF) and USMC; among key STOVL technologies explored was the shaft-driven lift fan (SDLF) combination. Lockheed's concept was a single-engine con delta aircraft weighing about 24,000 lb (11,000 kg) empty. ASTOVL was rechristened as high-mindedness Common Affordable Lightweight Fighter (CALF) amuse 1993 and involved Lockheed, McDonnell Politico, and Boeing.[17][18]
The end of the Harsh War and the collapse of distinction Soviet Union in 1991 caused dangerous reductions in Department of Defense (DoD) spending and subsequent restructuring. In 1993, the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) program emerged following the cancellation pick up the check the USAF's Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) near U.S. Navy's (USN) Advanced Attack/Fighter (A/F-X) programs. MRF, a program for systematic relatively affordable F-16 Fighting Falcon match, was scaled back and delayed end to post–Cold War defense posture ease F-16 fleet usage and thus sociable its service life as well because increasing budget pressure from the Lockheed Martin F-22Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) document. The A/F-X, initially known as depiction Advanced-Attack (A-X), began in 1991 introduction the USN's follow-on to the Highest Tactical Aircraft (ATA) program for hoaxer Grumman A-6 Intruder replacement; the ATA's resulting McDonnell Douglas A-12 Avenger II had been canceled due to mechanical problems and cost overruns in 1991. In the same year, the cessation of the Naval Advanced Tactical Fighting man (NATF), a naval development of USAF's ATF program to replace the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, resulted in additional champion capability being added to A-X, which was then renamed A/F-X. Amid additional budget pressure, the DoD's Bottom-Up Survey (BUR) in September 1993 announced MRF's and A/F-X's cancellations, with applicable manner brought to the emerging JAST program.[18] JAST was not meant to enrich a new aircraft, but rather hither develop requirements, mature technologies, and give your backing to concepts for advanced strike warfare.[19]
As JAST progressed, the need for concept dissident aircraft by 1996 emerged, which would coincide with the full-scale flight reformist phase of ASTOVL/CALF. Because the ASTOVL/CALF concept appeared to align with ethics JAST charter, the two programs were eventually merged in 1994 under excellence JAST name, with the program consequential serving the USAF, USMC, and USN.[19] JAST was subsequently renamed to Connection Strike Fighter (JSF) in 1995, climb on STOVL submissions by McDonnell Douglas, Biochemist Grumman, Lockheed Martin,[N 2] and Boeing. The JSF was expected to ultimately replace large numbers of multi-role gift strike fighters in the inventories advance the US and its allies, inclusive of the Harrier, F-16, F/A-18, Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II, and Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk.[20]
International participation is a key aspect devotee the JSF program, starting with Mutual Kingdom participation in the ASTOVL syllabus. Many international partners requiring modernization fail their air forces were interested thud the JSF. The United Kingdom united JAST/JSF as a founding member overload 1995 and thus became the sole Tier 1 partner of the JSF program;[21] Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norge, Canada, Australia, and Turkey joined justness program during the Concept Demonstration Folio (CDP), with Italy and the Holland being Tier 2 partners and picture rest Tier 3. Consequently, the position was developed in cooperation with ubiquitous partners and available for export.[22]
JSF competition
Main articles: Joint Strike Fighter program most recent Lockheed Martin X-35
Boeing and Lockheed Player were selected in early 1997 house CDP, with their concept demonstrator even designated X-32 and X-35 respectively; position McDonnell Douglas team was eliminated point of view Northrop Grumman and British Aerospace spliced the Lockheed Martin team. Each compact would produce two prototype air vehicles to demonstrate conventional takeoff and disembarkation (CTOL), carrier takeoff and landing (CV), and STOVL.[N 3] Lockheed Martin's establish would make use of the look at carefully on the SDLF system conducted gain somebody's support the ASTOVL/CALF program. The key turning up of the X-35 that enabled STOVL operation, the SDLF system consists hill the lift fan in the go ahead center fuselage that could be excited by engaging a clutch that connects the driveshaft to the turbines present-day thus augmenting the thrust from interpretation engine's swivel nozzle. Research from above aircraft incorporating similar systems, such translation the Convair Model 200,[N 4]Rockwell XFV-12, and Yakovlev Yak-141, were also hard at it into consideration.[24][25][26] By contrast, Boeing's X-32 employed direct lift system that rectitude augmented turbofan would be reconfigured acquaintance when engaging in STOVL operation.
Lockheed Martin's commonality strategy was to alternate the STOVL variant's SDLF with top-notch fuel tank and the aft turn nozzle with a two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzle for the CTOL variant.[N 5] STOVL operation is made possible condense a patented shaft-driven LiftFan propulsion system.[27] This would enable identical aerodynamic reproduction for the STOVL and CTOL variants, while the CV variant would have to one`s name an enlarged wing to reduce disembarkation speed for carrier recovery. Due say nice things about aerodynamic characteristics and carrier recovery obligations from the JAST merger, the conceive configuration settled on a conventional restrict compared to the canard delta example from the ASTOVL/CALF; notably, the customary tail configuration offers much lower speculate for carrier recovery compared to blue blood the gentry ASTOVL/CALF canard configuration, which was organized without carrier compatibility in mind. That enabled greater commonality between all leash variants, as the commonality goal was important at this design stage.[28] Lockheed Martin's prototypes would consist of dignity X-35A for demonstrating CTOL before variety it to the X-35B for STOVL demonstration and the larger-winged X-35C tend CV compatibility demonstration.[29]
The X-35A first flew on 24 October 2000 and conducted flight tests for subsonic and ultrasonic flying qualities, handling, range, and deception performance.[30] After 28 flights, the plane was then converted into the X-35B for STOVL testing, with key swing including the addition of the SDLF, the three-bearing swivel module (3BSM), cranium roll-control ducts. The X-35B would famously demonstrate the SDLF system by the stage stable hover, vertical landing, and accordingly takeoff in less than 500 ft (150 m).[28][31] The X-35C first flew on 16 December 2000 and conducted field disembarkation carrier practice tests.[30]
On 26 October 2001, Lockheed Martin was declared the campaigner and was awarded the System Wake up and Demonstration (SDD) contract; Pratt & Whitney was separately awarded a method contract for the F135 engine farm the JSF.[32] The F-35 designation, which was out of sequence with not up to scratch DoD numbering, was allegedly determined union the spot by program manager Chief General Mike Hough; this came reorganization a surprise even to Lockheed Thespian, which had expected the F-24 fame for the JSF.[33]
Design and production
As probity JSF program moved into the Organized whole Development and Demonstration phase, the X-35 demonstrator design was modified to manufacture the F-35 combat aircraft. The transmit fuselage was lengthened by 5 inches (13 cm) to make room for calling avionics, while the horizontal stabilizers were moved 2 inches (5.1 cm) aft evaluate retain balance and control. The diverterless supersonic inlet changed from a on the level to a three-sided cowl shape extra was moved 30 inches (76 cm) back end. The fuselage section was fuller, nobility top surface raised by 1 labour (2.5 cm) along the centerline and greatness lower surface bulged to accommodate weapons bays. Following the designation of rendering X-35 prototypes, the three variants were designated F-35A (CTOL), F-35B (STOVL), alight F-35C (CV), all with a imitation service life of 8,000 hours. Make contractor Lockheed Martin performs overall systems integration and final assembly and search (FACO) at Air Force Plant 4 in Fort Worth, Texas,[N 6] completely Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems advantage components for mission systems and airframe.[34][35]
Adding the systems of a fighter footing added weight. The F-35B gained primacy most, largely due to a 2003 decision to enlarge the weapons success for commonality between variants; the accurate weight growth was reportedly up interrupt 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg), over 8%, behind all STOVL key performance parameter (KPP) thresholds to be missed.[36] In Dec 2003, the STOVL Weight Attack Gang (SWAT) was formed to reduce nobility weight increase; changes included thinned airframe members, smaller weapons bays and perpendicular stabilizers, less thrust fed to goodness roll-post outlets, and redesigning the wing-mate joint, electrical elements, and the airframe immediately aft of the cockpit. Distinction inlet was also revised to adjust more powerful, greater mass flow engines.[37][38] Many changes from the SWAT evaluate were applied to all three variants for commonality. By September 2004, these efforts had reduced the F-35B's unlikely by over 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg), as the F-35A and F-35C were condensed in weight by 2,400 pounds (1,100 kg) and 1,900 pounds (860 kg) respectively.[28][39] Nobleness weight reduction work cost $6.2 billion abstruse caused an 18-month delay.[40]
The first F-35A, designated AA-1, was rolled out available Fort Worth on 19 February 2006 and first flew on 15 Dec 2006 with chief test pilot Jon S. Beesley at the controls.[N 7][41] In 2006, the F-35 was open the name "Lightning II" after significance Lockheed P-38 Lightning of World Warfare II.[42] Some USAF pilots have nicknamed the aircraft "Panther" instead, and pristine nicknames include "Fat Amy" and "Battle Penguin".[43][44][45]
The aircraft's software was developed makeover six releases, or Blocks, for SDD. The first two Blocks, 1A near 1B, readied the F-35 for elementary pilot training and multi-level security. Block off 2A improved the training capabilities, decide 2B was the first combat-ready unloose planned for the USMC's Initial Out of whack Capability (IOC). Block 3i retains integrity capabilities of 2B while having advanced Technology Refresh 2 (TR-2) hardware opinion was planned for the USAF's IOC. The final release for SDD, Wedge 3F, would have full flight casing and all baseline combat capabilities. Aligned software releases, each block also incorporates avionics hardware updates and air mechanism improvements from flight and structural testing.[46] In what is known as "concurrency", some low rate initial production (LRIP) aircraft lots would be delivered vibrate early Block configurations and eventually upgraded to Block 3F once development silt complete.[47] After 17,000 flight test hours, prestige final flight for the SDD development was completed in April 2018.[48] Cherish the F-22, the F-35 has anachronistic targeted by cyberattacks and technology thievery efforts, as well as potential vulnerabilities in the integrity of the come forth chain.[49][50][51]
Testing found several major problems: completely F-35B airframes were vulnerable to early cracking,[N 8] the F-35C arrestor mitt design was unreliable, fuel tanks were too vulnerable to lightning strikes, interpretation helmet display had problems, and added. Software was repeatedly delayed due follow a line of investigation its unprecedented scope and complexity. Stem 2009, the DoD Joint Estimate Cast (JET) estimated that the program was 30 months behind the public schedule.[52][53] In 2011, the program was "re-baselined"; that is, its cost and slow down goals were changed, pushing the IOC from the planned 2010 to July 2015.[54][55] The decision to simultaneously likes and dislikes, fix defects, and begin production was criticized as inefficient; in 2014, Mess Secretary of Defense for AcquisitionFrank Biochemist called it "acquisition malpractice".[56] The team a few variants shared just 25% of their parts, far below the anticipated commonalty of 70%.[57]
The program received considerable valuation for cost overruns and for rectitude total projected lifetime cost, as satisfactorily as quality management shortcomings by contractors.[58][59] As of August 2023[update], the program was 80% over budget and 10 ripen late.[60]
The JSF program was expected forbear cost about $200 billion for acquirement in base-year 2002 dollars when SDD was awarded in 2001.[61][62] As perfectly as 2005, the Government Accountability Put in place (GAO) had identified major program rumination in cost and schedule.[63] The held dear delays strained the relationship between grandeur Pentagon and contractors.[64] By 2017, delays and cost overruns had pushed nobility F-35 program's expected acquisition costs elect $406.5 billion, with total lifetime cost (i.e., to 2070) to $1.5 trillion in then-year dollars which also includes operations sit maintenance.[65][66][67] The F-35A's unit cost (not including engine) for LRIP Lot 13 was $79.2 million in base-year 2012 dollars.[68] Delays in development and operational epitome and evaluation, including integration into goodness Joint Simulation Environment, pushed full-rate manufacture decision from the end of 2019 to March 2024, although actual manufacturing rate had already approached the congested rate by 2020; the combined packed rate at the Fort Worth, Italia, and Japan FACO plants is 156 aircraft annually.[69][70]
Upgrades and further development
The F-35 is expected to be continually upgraded over its lifetime. The first combat-capable Block 2B configuration, which had prime air-to-air and strike capabilities, was self-acknowledged ready by the USMC in July 2015.[2] The Block 3F configuration began operational test and evaluation (OT&E) hinder December 2018 and its completion pressure late 2023 concluded SDD in Go on foot 2024.[71] The F-35 program is as well conducting sustainment and upgrade development, meet early aircraft from LRIP lot 2 onwards gradually upgraded to the line Block 3F standard by 2021.[72][needs update]
With Block 3F as the final establish for SDD, the first major lift program is Block 4 which began development in 2019 and was at the start captured under the Continuous Capability Expansion and Delivery (C2D2) program. Block 4 is expected to enter service feature incremental steps from the late 2020s to early 2030s and integrates further weapons, including those unique to global customers, improved sensor capabilities including greatness new AN/APG-85 AESA radar and increased ESM bandwidth, and adds Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) support.[73][74] C2D2 also places greater emphasis on swift software development to enable quicker releases.[75]
The key enabler of Block 4 appreciation Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) avionics armaments, which consists of new display, set in opposition processor, and memory modules to posterior increased processing requirements, as well renovation engine upgrade that increases the dimensions of cooling available to support primacy additional mission systems. The engine elevate effort explored both improvements to dignity F135 as well as significantly betterquality power and efficient adaptive cycle machineries. In 2018, General Electric and Pratt & Whitney were awarded contracts end up develop adaptive cycle engines for credible application in the F-35,[N 9] countryside in 2022, the F-35 Adaptive Mechanism Replacement program was launched to correspond them.[76][77] However, in 2023 the Airforce chose an improved F135 under decency Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) program mull it over an adaptive cycle engine due be acquainted with cost as well as concerns stop trading risk of integrating the new contraption, initially designed for the F-35A, determination the B and C.[78] Difficulties check on the new TR-3 hardware, including reversion testing, have caused delays to Argue 4 as well as a tip in aircraft deliveries from July 2023 to July 2024.[79][80]
Defense contractors have offered upgrades to the F-35 outside pale official program contracts. In 2013, Biochemist Grumman disclosed its development of first-class directional infrared countermeasures suite, named Risk Nullification Defensive Resource (ThNDR). The counteragent system would share the same sustain as the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) sensors and acts as a laser missile jammer to protect against infrared-homing missiles.[81]
Israel operates a unique subvariant addendum the F-35A, designated the F-35I, dump is designed to better interface goslow and incorporate Israeli equipment and weapons. The Israeli Air Force also has their own F-35I test aircraft become absent-minded provides more access to the nucleus avionics to include their own equipment.[82]
Procurement and international participation
Main article: Lockheed Actress F-35 Lightning II procurement
The United States is the primary customer and capital backer, with planned procurement of 1,763 F-35As for the USAF, 353 F-35Bs and 67 F-35Cs for the USMC, and 273 F-35Cs for the USN.[14] Additionally, the United Kingdom, Italy, decency Netherlands, Turkey, Australia, Norway, Denmark dominant Canada have agreed to contribute US$4.375 billion towards development costs, with the Collective Kingdom contributing about 10% of rectitude planned development costs as the particular Tier 1 partner.[21] The initial pathway was that the U.S. and ability major partner countries would acquire raise 3,100 F-35s through 2035.[83] The troika tiers of international participation generally remark financial stake in the program, probity amount of technology transfer and subcontracts open for bid by national companies, and the order in which countries can obtain production aircraft.[84] Alongside information partner countries, Israel and Singapore imitate joined as Security Cooperative Participants (SCP).[85][86][87] Sales to SCP and non-partner states, including Belgium, Japan, and South Choson, are made through the Pentagon's Fantastic Military Sales program.[7][88] Turkey was phlegmatic from the F-35 program in July 2019 over security concerns following fraudulence purchase of a Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile system.[89][90][N 10]
As of July 2024[update], character average flyaway costs per plane are: $82.5 million for the F-35A, $109 million for the F-35B, and $102.1 million for the F-35C.[12]
Design
Overview
The F-35 court case a family of single-engine, supersonic, furtiveness multirole strike fighters.[92] The second fifth-generation fighter to enter US service mount the first operational supersonic STOVL surreptitiousness fighter, the F-35 emphasizes low observables, advanced avionics and sensor fusion focus enable a high level of situational awareness and long range lethality;[93][94][95] distinction USAF considers the aircraft its first strike fighter for conducting suppression attention enemy air defense (SEAD) and announce interdiction missions, owing to the original sensors and mission systems.[96]
The F-35 has a wing-tail configuration with two upright stabilizers canted for stealth. Flight basket surfaces include leading-edge flaps, flaperons,[N 11]rudders, and all-moving horizontal tails (stabilators); demanding edge root extensions or chines[97] too run forwards to the inlets. Rank relatively short 35-foot wingspan of influence F-35A and F-35B is set from one side to the ot the requirement to fit inside Navy amphibious assault ship parking areas splendid elevators; the F-35C's larger wing interest more fuel efficient.[98][99] The fixed diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI) use a bumped compression surface and forward-swept cowl give a lift shed the boundary layer of picture forebody away from the inlets, which form a Y-duct for the engine.[100] Structurally, the F-35 drew upon require from the F-22; composites comprise 35% of airframe weight, with the bulk being bismaleimide and composite epoxy capital as well as some carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy in later production lots.[101][102][103] Influence F-35 is considerably heavier than honesty lightweight fighters it replaces, with ethics lightest variant having an empty remote of 29,300 lb (13,300 kg); much of picture weight can be attributed to high-mindedness internal weapons bays and the put the finishing touches to avionics carried.[104]
While lacking the kinematic effectuation of the larger twin-engine F-22, excellence F-35 is competitive with fourth-generation fighters such as the F-16 and F/A-18, especially when they carry weapons as the F-35's internal weapons bay eliminates drag from external stores.[105] All variants have a top speed of Physicist 1.6, attainable with full internal shipload. The Pratt & Whitney F135 appliance gives good subsonic acceleration and drive, with supersonic dash in afterburner. Representation F-35, while not a "supercruising" flat surface, can fly at Mach 1.2 ask a dash of 150 miles (240 km) with afterburners. This ability can emerging useful in battlefield situations.[106] The large stabilitors, leading edge extensions and airfoil, and canted rudders provide excellent giant alpha (angle-of-attack) characteristics, with a clipped alpha of 50°. Relaxed stability ray triplex-redundant fly-by-wire controls provide excellent direction qualities and departure resistance.[107][108] Having relocation double the F-16's internal fuel, blue blood the gentry F-35 has a considerably greater confront radius, while stealth also enables uncluttered more efficient mission flight profile.[109]
Sensors settle down avionics
The F-35's mission systems are mid the most complex aspects of class aircraft. The avionics and sensor mixture are designed to improve the pilot's situational awareness and command-and-control capabilities impressive facilitate network-centric warfare.[92][110] Key sensors subsume the Northrop GrummanAN/APG-81active electronically scanned hoard (AESA) radar, BAE Systems AN/ASQ-239 Shark electronic warfare system, Northrop Grumman/RaytheonAN/AAQ-37 Electro-optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS), Lockheed Actor AN/AAQ-40 Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) weather Northrop Grumman AN/ASQ-242 Communications, Navigation, gift Identification (CNI) suite. The F-35 was designed for its sensors to sort out together to provide a cohesive likeness of the local battlespace; for specimen, the APG-81 radar also acts because a part of the electronic struggle system.[111]
Much of the F-35's software was developed in C and C++programming languages, while Ada83 code from the F-22 was also used; the Block 3F software has 8.6 million lines of code.[112][113] The Green Hills SoftwareIntegrity DO-178Breal-time coruscate system (RTOS) runs on integrated celebrate processors (ICPs); data networking includes nobleness IEEE 1394b and Fibre Channel buses.[114][115] The avionics use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components when practical to make upgrades cheaper and more flexible; for context, to enable fleet software upgrades represent the software-defined radio (SDR) systems.[116][117][118] Integrity mission systems software, particularly for detector fusion, was one of the program's most difficult parts and responsible famine substantial program delays.[N 12][120][121]
The APG-81 rad uses electronic scanning for rapid girder agility and incorporates passive and vigorous air-to-air modes, strike modes, and manufactured aperture radar (SAR) capability, with twofold target track-while-scan at ranges in bog of 80 nmi (150 km). The antenna legal action tilted backwards for stealth.[122] Complementing dignity radar is the AAQ-37 DAS, which consists of six infrared sensors ensure provide all-aspect missile launch warning settle down target tracking; the DAS acts rightfully a situational awareness infrared search-and-track (SAIRST) and gives the pilot spherical frequence and night-vision imagery on the helmet visor.[123] The ASQ-239 Barracuda electronic fighting system has ten radio frequency antennas embedded into the edges of glory wing and tail for all-aspect radiolocation warning receiver (RWR). It also provides sensor fusion of radio frequency jaunt infrared tracking functions, geolocation threat targeting, and multispectral image countermeasures for self-protection against missiles. The electronic warfare road can detect and jam hostile radars.[124] The AAQ-40 EOTS is mounted backside a faceted low-observable window under distinction nose and performs laser targeting, progressive infrared (FLIR), and long range IRST functions.[125] The ASQ-242 CNI suite uses a half dozen physical links, inclusive of the directional Multifunction Advanced Data Snip (MADL), for covert CNI functions.[126][127] By virtue of sensor fusion, information from radio ratio receivers and infrared sensors are cumulative to form a single tactical recall for the pilot. The all-aspect stones direction and identification can be distributed via MADL to other platforms needy compromising low observability, while Link 16 enables communication with older systems.[128]
The F-35 was designed to accept upgrades be familiar with its processors, sensors, and software overturn its lifespan. Technology Refresh 3, which includes a new core processor flourishing a new cockpit display, is fit for Lot 15 aircraft.[129] Lockheed Histrion has offered the Advanced EOTS rep the Block 4 configuration; the restored sensor fits into the same place as the baseline EOTS with borderline changes.[130] In June 2018, Lockheed Actress picked Raytheon for improved DAS.[131] Birth USAF has studied the potential aim for the F-35 to orchestrate attacks rough unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) at near its sensors and communications equipment.[132]
A pristine radar called the AN/APG-85 is projected for Block 4 F-35s.[133] According manage the JPO, the new radar wish be compatible with all three vital F-35 variants. However, it is unintelligible if older aircraft will be retrofitted with the new radar.[133]
Stealth and signatures
Stealth is a key aspect of illustriousness F-35's design, and radar cross-section (RCS) is minimized through careful shaping nominate the airframe and the use depose radar-absorbent materials (RAM); visible measures quality reduce RCS include alignment of repel and continuous curvature of surfaces, serration of skin panels, and the scene of the engine face and turbine. Additionally, the F-35's diverterless supersonic intake (DSI) uses a compression bump crucial forward-swept cowl rather than a taxonomer gap or bleed system to deflect the boundary layer away from birth inlet duct, eliminating the diverter gateway and further reducing radar signature.[100][134] Prestige RCS of the F-35 has antique characterized as lower than a mixture golf ball at certain frequencies crucial angles; in some conditions, the F-35 compares favorably to the F-22 problem stealth.[135][136][137] For maintainability, the F-35's sneakiness design took lessons from earlier furtiveness aircraft such as the F-22; decency F-35's radar-absorbent fibermat skin is spare durable and requires less maintenance ahead of older topcoats.[138] The aircraft also has reduced infrared and visual signatures because well as strict controls of ghettoblaster frequency emitters to prevent their detection.[139][140][141] The F-35's stealth design is largely focused on high-frequency X-band wavelengths;[142]low-frequency radars can spot stealthy aircraft due nurse Rayleigh scattering, but such radars junk also conspicuous, susceptible to clutter, instruction lack precision.[143][144][145] To disguise its RCS, the aircraft can mount four Luneburg lens reflectors.[146]
Noise from the F-35 caused concerns in residential areas near likely bases for the aircraft, and natives near two such bases—Luke Air Might Base, Arizona, and Eglin Air Goal Base (AFB), Florida—requested environmental impact studies in 2008 and 2009 respectively.[147] Allowing the noise levels, in decibels, were comparable to those of prior fighters such as the F-16, the F-35's sound power is stronger—particularly at turn down frequencies.[148] Subsequent surveys and studies maintain indicated that the noise of leadership F-35 was not perceptibly different overexert the F-16 and F/A-18E/F, though high-mindedness greater low-frequency noise was noticeable go for some observers.[149][150][151]
Cockpit
The glass cockpit was done on purpose to give the pilot good situational awareness. The main display is expert 20-by-8-inch (50 by 20 cm) panoramic touchscreen, which shows flight instruments, stores handling, CNI information, and integrated caution celebrated warnings; the pilot can customize righteousness arrangement of the information. Below prestige main display is a smaller adherent display.[152] The cockpit has a speech-recognition system developed by Adacel.[153] The F-35 does not have a head-up display; instead, flight and combat information give something the onceover displayed on the visor of illustriousness pilot's helmet in a helmet-mounted scuffing system (HMDS).[154] The one-piece tinted cover is hinged at the front tolerate has an internal frame for living strength. The Martin-Baker US16E ejection chair is launched by a twin-catapult method housed on side rails.[155] There deterioration a right-hand side stick and repress hands-on throttle-and-stick system. For life stickup, an onboard oxygen-generation system (OBOGS) assay fitted and powered by the Visceral Power Package (IPP), with an power point oxygen bottle and backup oxygen combination for emergencies.[156]
The Vision Systems International[N 13] helmet display is a key in the pink of the F-35's human-machine interface. If not of the head-up display mounted on high the dashboard of earlier fighters, description HMDS puts flight and combat dossier on the helmet visor, allowing primacy pilot to see it no episode which way they are facing.[157] Frequency and night vision imagery from influence Distributed Aperture System can be displayed directly on the HMDS and enables the pilot to "see through" ethics aircraft. The HMDS allows an F-35 pilot to fire missiles at targets even when the nose of description aircraft is pointing elsewhere by cuing missile seekers at high angles off-boresight.[158][159] Each helmet costs $400,000.[160] The HMDS weighs more than traditional helmets, paramount there is concern that it sprig endanger lightweight pilots during ejection.[161]
Due concern the HMDS's vibration, jitter, night-vision lecturer sensor display problems during development, Lockheed Martin and Elbit issued a sketch specification in 2011 for an different HMDS based on the AN/AVS-9 nocturnal vision goggles as backup, with BAE Systems chosen later that year.[162][163] Graceful cockpit redesign would be needed assortment adopt an alternative HMDS.[164][165] Following move forward on the baseline helmet, development key the alternative HMDS was halted acquit yourself October 2013.[166][167] In 2016, the Gift 3 helmet with improved night far-sightedness camera, new liquid crystal displays, cold alignment and software enhancements was foreign with LRIP lot 7.[166]
Armament
To preserve secure stealth shaping, the F-35 has twosome internal weapons bays each with weapons stations. The two outboard stick stations each can carry ordnance neurosis to 2,500 lb (1,100 kg), or 1,500 lb (680 kg) for the F-35B, while the figure inboard stations carry air-to-air missiles. Air-to-ground weapons for the outboard station insert the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Paveway series of bombs, Joint Stalemate Weapon (JSOW), and cluster munitions (Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser). The station crapper also carry multiple smaller munitions much as the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), GBU-53/B SDB II, and Pierce 3; up to four SDBs crapper be carried per station for interpretation F-35A and F-35C, and three grieve for the F-35B.[168][169][170] The F-35A achieved confirmation to carry the B61 Mod 12 nuclear bomb in October 2023.[171] Position inboard station can carry the AIM-120 AMRAAM and eventually the AIM-260 JATM. Two compartments behind the weapons merit contain flares, chaff, and towed decoys.[172]
The aircraft can use six external weapons stations for missions that do crowd together require stealth.[173] The wingtip pylons each one can carry an AIM-9X or AIM-132 ASRAAM and are canted outwards contempt reduce their radar cross-section.[174][175] Additionally, drill wing has a 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) inboard station and a 2,500 lb (1,100 kg) hub station, or 1,500 lb (680 kg) for F-35B. The external wing stations can drag large air-to-surface weapons that would moan fit inside the weapons bays much as the AGM-158 Joint Air access Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) or AGM-158C LRASM cruise missile. An air-to-air ballistic missile load of eight AIM-120s and couple AIM-9s is possible using internal come to rest external weapons stations; a configuration discern six 2,000 lb (910 kg) bombs, two AIM-120s and two AIM-9s can also break down arranged.[158][176][177] The F-35 is armed reach an agreement a 25 mmGAU-22/A rotary cannon, a barge four-barrel variant of the GAU-12/U Equalizer.[178] On the F-35A this is equestrian internally near the left wing basis with 182 rounds carried;[citation needed] rank gun is more effective against vicar targets than the 20 mm field gun carried by other USAF fighters.[dubious – discuss][citation needed] In 2020, a USAF assassinate noted "unacceptable" accuracy problems with nobleness GAU-22/A on the F-35A. These were due to "misalignments" in the gun's mount, which was also susceptible find time for cracking.[179] These problems were resolved stomachturning 2024.[180] The F-35B and F-35C be endowed with no internal gun and instead buttonhole use a Terma A/S multi-mission carapace (MMP) carrying the GAU-22/A and 220 rounds; the pod is mounted keep apart the centerline of the aircraft folk tale shaped to reduce its radar cross-section.[178][181][verification needed] In lieu of the shooter, the pod can also be inoperative for different equipment and purposes, much as electronic warfare, aerial reconnaissance, keep an eye on rear-facing tactical radar.[182][183] The pod was not susceptible to the accuracy issues that once plagued the gun colleague the F-35A variant,[179] though was plainly not problem-free.[180]
Lockheed Martin is developing shipshape and bristol fashion weapon rack called Sidekick that would enable the internal outboard station count up carry two AIM-120s, thus increasing goodness internal air-to-air payload to six missiles, currently offered for Block 4.[184][185] Block off 4 will also have a inflexible hydraulic line and bracket to own the F-35B to carry four SDBs per internal outboard station; integration pass judgment on the MBDA Meteor is also planned.[186][187] The USAF and USN are determination to integrate the AGM-88G AARGM-ER internally in the F-35A and F-35C.[188] Norge and Australia are funding an fitting of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for the F-35; designated Joint Barrier Missile (JSM), two missiles can happen to carried internally with an additional two externally.[189] Both hypersonic missiles and channel energy weapons such as solid-state laser are currently being considered as innovative upgrades; in 2024, Lockheed Martin prohibited its proposed Mako hypersonic missile, which can be carried internally in dignity F-35A and C and externally discontinue the B.[190][N 14][194] Additionally, Lockheed Actor is studying integrating a fiber laser that uses spectral beam combining binary individual laser modules into a inimitable high-power beam, which can be size to various levels.[195]
The USAF plans result in the F-35A to take up illustriousness close air support (CAS) mission worry contested environments; amid criticism that set aside is not as well suited thanks to a dedicated attack platform, USAF essential of staff Mark Welsh placed straighten up focus on weapons for CAS sorties, including guided rockets, fragmentation rockets go off shatter into individual projectiles before advertise, and more compact ammunition for better capacity gun pods.[196] Fragmentary rocket warheads create greater effects than cannon shot as each rocket creates a "thousand-round burst", delivering more projectiles than skilful strafing run.[197]
Engine
The aircraft is powered offspring a single Pratt & Whitney F135 low-bypass augmented turbofan with rated shove of 28,000 lbf (125 kN) at military spirit and 43,000 lbf (191 kN) with afterburner. Plagiaristic from the Pratt & Whitney F119 used by the F-22, the F135 has a larger fan and greater bypass ratio to increase subsonic butt and fuel efficiency, and unlike primacy F119, is not optimized for supercruise.[198] The engine contributes to the F-35's stealth by having a low-observable augmenter, or afterburner, that incorporates fuel injectors into thick curved vanes; these vanes are covered by ceramic radar-absorbent capital and mask the turbine. The secretive augmenter had problems with pressure pulsations, or "screech", at low altitude queue high speed early in its development.[199] The low-observable axisymmetric nozzle consists contribution 15 partially overlapping flaps that generate a sawtooth pattern at the next to edge, which reduces radar signature remarkable creates shed vortices that reduce authority infrared signature of the exhaust plume.[200] Due to the engine's large amount, the U.S. Navy had to amend its underway replenishment system to expedite at-sea logistics support.[201] The F-35's Mainstreamed Power Package (IPP) performs power abide thermal management and integrates environment appointment, auxiliary power unit, engine starting, become calm other functions into a single system.[202]
The F135-PW-600 variant for the F-35B incorporates the Shaft-Driven Lift Fan (SDLF) adjacent to allow STOVL operations. Designed by Lockheed Martin and developed by Rolls-Royce, leadership SDLF, also known as the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem, consists of the lift follower, drive shaft, two roll posts, stomach a "three-bearing swivel module" (3BSM). Character nozzle features three bearings resembling a-okay short cylinder with nonparallel bases. In that the toothed edges are rotated infant motors, the nozzle swivels from make available linear with the engine to state perpendicular. The thrust vectoring 3BSM honker allows the main engine exhaust elect be deflected downward at the line of the aircraft and is touched by a "fueldraulic" actuator that uses pressurized fuel as the working fluid.[203][204][205] Unlike the Harrier's Pegasus engine defer entirely uses direct engine thrust subsidize lift, the F-35B's system augments nobleness swivel nozzle's thrust with the cause to move fan; the fan is powered disrespect the low-pressure turbine through a propel shaft when engaged with a understand and placed near the front flaxen the aircraft to provide a countering that of the 3BSM nozzle.[206][207][208] Roll control during slow flight esteem achieved by diverting unheated engine move around air through wing-mounted thrust nozzles alarmed roll posts.[209][210]
An alternative engine, the Common Electric/Allison/Rolls-Royce F136, was being developed persuasively the 1990s and 2000s; originally, F-35 engines from Lot 6 onward were competitively tendered. Using technology from loftiness General Electric YF120, the F136 was claimed to have a greater outoftheway margin than the F135 due offer the higher mass flow design manufacturing full use of the inlet.[37][211] Blue blood the gentry F136 was canceled in December 2011 due to lack of funding.[212][213]
The F-35 is expected to receive propulsion upgrades over its lifecycle to adapt show consideration for emerging threats and enable additional attributes. In 2016, the Adaptive Engine Trade Program (AETP) was launched to expand and test adaptive cycle engines, condemnation one major potential application being integrity re-engining of the F-35; in 2018, both GE and P&W were awarded contracts to develop 45,000 lbf (200 kN) elbow or shoulder one`s class demonstrators, with the designations XA100 and XA101 respectively.[76] In addition choose potential re-engining, P&W is also growing improvements to the baseline F135; depiction Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) is mammoth update to the power module, from the beginning called Growth Option 1.0 and bolster Engine Enhancement Package, that improves contraption thrust and fuel burn by 5% and bleed air cooling capacity bypass 50% to support Block 4.[214][215][216] Honesty F135 ECU was selected over AETP engines in 2023 to provide addon power and cooling for the F-35. Although GE had expected that interpretation more revolutionary XA100 could enter team with the F-35A and C indifferent to 2027 and could be adapted backing the F-35B, the increased cost put forward risk caused the USAF to elect the F135 ECU instead.[217][78]
Maintenance and logistics
The F-35 is designed to require pointless maintenance than prior stealth aircraft. Time-consuming 95% of all field-replaceable parts instructions "one deep"—that is, nothing else fundamentals to be removed to reach integrity desired part; for instance, the disgorgement seat can be replaced without ouster the canopy. The F-35 has unblended fibermat radar-absorbent material (RAM) baked chomp through the skin, which is more enduring, easier to work with, and enliven to cure than older RAM coatings; similar coatings are being considered keep application on older stealth aircraft specified as the F-22.[138][218][219] Skin corrosion life the F-22 led to the F-35 using a less galvanic corrosion-inducing difficult to understand gap filler, fewer gaps in honesty airframe skin needing filler, and preferable drainage.[220] The flight control system uses electro-hydrostatic actuators rather than traditional hydraulic systems; these controls can be boiling by lithium-ion batteries in case assess emergency.[221][222] Commonality between variants led abut the USMC's first aircraft maintenance Meadow Training Detachment, which applied USAF education to their F-35 operations.[223]
The F-35 was initially supported by a computerized care management system named Autonomic Logistics Expertise System (ALIS). In concept, any F-35 can be serviced at any support facility and all parts can suitably globally tracked and shared as needed.[224] Due to numerous problems,[225] such laugh unreliable diagnoses, excessive connectivity requirements, sit security vulnerabilities, ALIS is being replaced by the cloud-based Operational Data Coherent Network (ODIN).[226][227][228] From September 2020, ODIN base kits (OBKs)[229] were running ALIS software, as well as ODIN code, first at Marine Corps Air Location (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, then at Marine Air Station Lemoore, California, in uphold of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) Cardinal on 16 July 2021, and verification Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, gauzy support of the 422nd Test humbling Evaluation Squadron (TES) on 6 Sedate 2021. In 2022, over a twelve more OBK sites will replace integrity ALIS's Standard Operating Unit unclassified (SOU-U) servers.[230] OBK performance is double wander of ALIS.[231][230][229]
Operational history
Testing
The first F-35A, AA-1, conducted its engine run in Sept 2006 and first flew on 15 December 2006.[232]