Jump to content

User:TGCP/Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
< User:TGCP

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Jonesey95 (talk | contribs) at 19:47, 8 April 2023 (Fix Linter errors. (bogus image options)). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

"F-35" redirects here. For other uses, see F35 (disambiguation).
F-35 Lightning II
Role Stealth multirole fighter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
First flight 15 December 2006
Introduction After 2016[1]
Status In initial production, in U.S. service for training only[2]
Primary users United States Air Force
United States Marine Corps
United States Navy
Royal Air Force
Produced 2006–present
Number built 63[3]
Developed from Lockheed Martin X-35

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability.[4][5] The F-35 has three main models; the F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing variant, the F-35B is a short take off and vertical-landing variant, and the F-35C is a carrier-based variant.

The F-35 is descended from the X-35, the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. JSF development is being principally funded by the United States, with the United Kingdom and other partner governments providing additional funding. The partner nations are either NATO members or close U.S. allies. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin. The F-35 carried out its first flight on 15 December 2006.

The United States plans to buy a total of 2,443 aircraft to provide the bulk of its tactical airpower for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy over the coming decades. The United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Turkey, Israel and Japan are part of the development program and may equip their air services with the F-35.[6][7][8][9][10][11]

Development

Main article: Development

The JSF program was designed to replace the United States military F-16, A-10, F/A-18 (excluding newer E/F "Super Hornet" variants) and AV-8B tactical fighter aircraft. To keep development, production, and operating costs down, a common design was planned in three variants that share 80 percent of their parts:

  • F-35A, conventional take off and landing (CTOL) variant.
  • F-35B, short-take off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant.
  • F-35C, carrier-based CATOBAR (CV) variant.
Engineer handling a metallic scale model of jet fighter in wind-tunnel
An F-35 wind tunnel testing model in the Arnold Engineering Development Center's 16-foot transonic wind tunnel

Design

F-35A prototype being towed to its inauguration ceremony on 7 July 2006
F-35B's thrust vectoring nozzle and lift fan

The F-35 appears to be a smaller, slightly more conventional, single-engine sibling of the sleeker, twin-engine Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, and indeed drew elements from it. The exhaust duct design was inspired by the General Dynamics Model 200 design, which was proposed for a 1972 supersonic VTOL fighter requirement for the Sea Control Ship.[12] For specialized development of the F-35B STOVL variant, Lockheed consulted with the Yakovlev Design Bureau, purchasing design data from their development of the Yakovlev Yak-141 "Freestyle".[13][14] Although several experimental designs have been built and tested since the 1960s including the navy's unsuccessful Rockwell XFV-12, the F-35B is to be the first operational supersonic, STOVL stealth fighter.[15]

The F-35 has a maximum speed of over Mach 1.6. With a maximum takeoff weight of 60,000 lb (27,000 kg),[N 1][17] the Lightning II is considerably heavier than the lightweight fighters it replaces. In empty and maximum gross weights, it more closely resembles the single-seat, single-engine Republic F-105 Thunderchief, which was the largest single-engine fighter of the Vietnam war era. The F-35's modern engine delivers over 60 percent more thrust in an aircraft of the same weight so that in thrust to weight and wing loading it is much closer to a comparably equipped F-16.[N 2]

Acquisition deputy to the assistant secretary of the air force, Lt. Gen. Mark D. "Shack" Shackelford has said that the F-35 is 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."[19][20]

Some improvements over current-generation fighter aircraft are:

  • Durable, low-maintenance stealth technology, using structural fiber mat instead of the high-maintenance coatings of legacy stealth platforms;[21]
  • Integrated avionics and sensor fusion that combine information from off- and on-board sensors to increase the pilot's situational awareness and improve target identification and weapon delivery, and to relay information quickly to other command and control (C2) nodes;
  • High speed data networking including IEEE 1394b[22] and Fibre Channel.[23]
  • The Autonomic Logistics Global Sustainment (ALGS), Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) are claimed to help ensure aircraft uptime with minimal maintenance manpower.[24] However the Pentagon has moved to open the sustainment for competitive bidding by other companies.[25]
  • Electrohydrostatic actuators run by a power-by-wire flight-control system.[26]

Lockheed Martin claims the F-35 is intended to have close and long-range air-to-air capability second only to that of the F-22 Raptor.[4] The company has suggested that the F-35 could also replace the USAF's F-15C/D fighters in the air superiority role and the F-15E Strike Eagle in the ground attack role, but it does not have the range or payload of either F-15 model.[27] The F-35A does carry a similar air-to-air armament as the conceptual Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle when both aircraft are configured for low observable operations and has over 80 percent of the larger aircraft's combat radius.[28]

Lockheed Martin has said that the F-35 has the advantage over the F-22 in basing flexibility and "advanced sensors and information fusion".[29]

The majority of the structural composites in the F-35 are made out of bismaleimide (BMI) and composite epoxy material.[30] However the F-35 will be the first mass produced aircraft to include structural nanocomposites, namely carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy.[31]

The F-35 program has learned from the corrosion problems that the F-22 had when it was first introduced in 2005. The F-35 uses a gap filler that causes less galvanic corrosion to the skin, is designed with fewer gaps in its skin that require gap filler, and has better drainage.[32]

A United States Navy study found that the F-35 will cost 30 to 40 percent more to maintain than current jet fighters.[33] A Pentagon study found that it may cost $1 trillion to maintain the entire fleet over its lifetime.[34]

Engines

The F-35's main engine is the Pratt & Whitney F135. The General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 was under development as an alternative engine until December 2011 when the manufacturers canceled work on it.[35][36] The F135/F136 engines are not designed to supercruise in the F-35.[37] The STOVL versions of both power plants use the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem, patented by Paul Bevilaqua of Lockheed Martin in 1993,[38] demonstrated by the Allison Engine Company in 1995-97,[39] and matured to production by Rolls-Royce. This system is more like the Russian Yak-141 and German VJ 101D/E than the preceding generation of STOVL designs,[40][41] such as the Harrier Jump Jet in which all of the lifting air went through the main fan of the Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine.[42]

The Lift System is composed of a lift fan, drive shaft, two roll posts and a "Three Bearing Swivel Module" (3BSM).[43] The 3BSM is a thrust vectoring nozzle which allows the main engine exhaust to be deflected downward at the tail of the aircraft. The lift fan is near the front of the aircraft and provides a counterbalancing thrust using two counter-rotating blisks.[44] It is powered by the engine's low-pressure (LP) turbine via a drive shaft and gearbox. Roll control during slow flight is achieved by diverting unheated engine bypass air through wing-mounted thrust nozzles called Roll Posts.[45][46] Like lift engines, the added lift fan machinery increases payload capacity during vertical flight, but is dead weight during horizontal flight. The cool exhaust of the fan also reduces the amount of hot, high-velocity air that is projected downward during vertical take off, which can damage runways and aircraft carrier decks.[citation needed]

To date, F136 funding has come at the expense of other parts of the program, reducing the number of aircraft built and increasing their costs.[47] The F136 team has claimed that their engine has a greater temperature margin which may prove critical for VTOL operations in hot, high altitude conditions.[48]

Pratt & Whitney is also testing higher thrust versions of the F135, partly in response to GE's claims that the F136 is capable of producing more thrust than the 43,000 lbf (190 kN) supplied by early F135s. The F135 has demonstrated a maximum thrust of over 50,000 lbf (220 kN) during testing.[49] The F-35's Pratt & Whitney F135 is the most powerful engine ever installed in a fighter aircraft.[50]

The F135 is the second (radar) stealthy afterburning jet engine and like the Pratt & Whitney F119 from which it was derived, has suffered from pressure pulsations in the afterburner at low altitude and high speed or "screech". In both cases this problem was fixed during development of the fighter program.[51]

Turbine bearing health in the engine will be monitored with thermoelectric powered wireless sensors.[52]

Armament

Close-up view of open aircraft weapons bay. The aircraft mock-up itself is on display, watched on by onlookers.
Weapons bay on a mock-up of the F-35

The F-35A includes a GAU-22/A, a four-barrel version of the GAU-12 Equalizer 25 mm cannon.[53] The cannon is mounted internally with 182 rounds for the F-35A or in an external pod with 220 rounds for the F-35B and F-35C.[54][55] The gun pod for the B and C variants will have stealth features. The Terma A/S multi-mission pod (MMP) could be used for different equipment in the future for all three variants, such as electronic warfare equipment, reconnaissance equipment, or possibly a rearward-facing radar.[56][57]

It has two internal weapons bays, and external hardpoints that can mount four underwing pylons and two near wingtip pylons. The two outer hardpoints can only carry pylons for the AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-132 ASRAAM short-range air-to-air missiles (AAM).[58] The other pylons can carry the AIM-120 AMRAAM BVR AAM, Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missile, AGM-158 Joint Air to Surface Stand-off Missile (JASSM) cruise missile, and guided bombs. The external pylons can carry missiles, bombs, and fuel tanks at the expense of reduced stealth.[59] An air-to-air load of eight AIM-120s and two AIM-9s is possible using internal and external weapons stations; a configuration of six 2,000 lb (910 kg) bombs, two AIM-120s and two AIM-9s can also be arranged.[60][61]

Internally, up to two 2,000 lb (910 kg) air-to-ground bombs can be carried in A and C models (two 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs in the B model,[60][62]) along with two smaller weapons, normally expected to be air-to-air missiles. The weapon bays can carry AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-132 ASRAAM, the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) – up to 2,000 lb (910 kg), the Joint Stand off Weapon (JSOW), Brimstone anti-armor missiles, and Cluster Munitions (WCMD).[60]

Lockheed Martin states that the weapons load can also be configured as all-air-to-ground or all-air-to-air, and has suggested that a Block 5 version will be able to carry three internal weapons per bay instead of two, replacing the heavy bomb with two smaller weapons such as AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.[63] Upgrades include up to four GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) in each bay (three per bay in F-35B,[64] or four GBU-53/B in each bay for all F-35 variants;[65] The MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile is currently being adapted to fit four internally in the missile spots and may be integrated into the F-35. A modified Meteor design with smaller tailfins for the F-35 was revealed in September 2010.[66] The United Kingdom had originally planned to put up to four AIM-132 ASRAAM internally but this has been changed to carry 2 internal and 2 external ASRAAMs.[67] The external ASRAAMs are planned to be carried on "stealthy" pylons to increase the F-35's radar cross section slightly; the missile allow attacks to slightly beyond visual range without using radar that might alert the target.[58][68]

Norway and Australia are funding a program to adapt the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to fit the internal bays of the F-35. This will be a multi-role version, named the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), and will be the only cruise missile to fit the internal bays. Studies have shown that the F-35 would be able to carry two of these internally, while four additional missiles could be carried externally. The missile has an expected range in excess of 150 nmi (278 km).[69]

Solid-state lasers were being developed as optional weapons for the F-35 as of 2002.[70][71][72] The F-35 is expected to take on the Wild Weasel mission, but there are no planned anti-radiation missiles for internal stealthy carriage.[73] The B61 nuclear bomb was scheduled for deployment in 2017, but delays in the F-35 program may delay this.[74]

Stealth and signatures

Landing gear door of the F-35, showing its stealthy sawtooth design

The F-35 has been designed to have a low radar cross section primarily due to the shape of the aircraft and the use of stealthy materials used in construction, including fiber-mat.[21] Unlike the previous generation of fighters, the F-35 was designed with a shape for low-observable characteristics.[75]

The Teen Series of fighters (F-15, F-16, F/A-18) were notable for always carrying large external fuel tanks, but in order to avoid negating its stealth characteristics the F-35 must fly most missions without external fuel tanks. Unlike the F-16 and F/A-18, the F-35 lacks leading edge extensions and instead uses stealth-friendly chines for vortex lift in the same fashion as the SR-71 Blackbird.[56] The small bumps just forward of the engine air intakes form part of the diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) which is a simpler, lighter means to ensure high-quality airflow to the engine over a wide range of conditions. These inlets also crucially improve the aircraft's low-observable characteristics.[76]

In spite of being smaller than the F-22, the F-35 has a larger radar cross section. It is said to be roughly equal to a metal golf ball rather than the F-22's metal marble.[77] The F-22 was designed to be difficult to detect by all types of radars and from all directions.[78] The F-35 on the other hand manifests its lowest radar signature from the frontal aspect because of compromises in design. Its surfaces are shaped to best defeat radars operating in the X and upper S band, which are typically found in fighters, surface-to-air missiles and their tracking radars, although the aircraft would be easier to detect using other radar frequencies.[78] Because the shape of the aircraft is so important to its radar cross section, special care must be taken to maintain the "outer mold line" during production.[79] Ground crews require Repair Verification Radar (RVR) test sets in order to verify the RCS of the aircraft after performing repairs, which was not a concern for previous generations of non-stealth fighters.[80][81]

Low observable aircraft must consider different types of detection and so the F-35 is not only radar stealthy, but it also has infrared and visual signature reduction incorporated.[82][83]

In late 2008 the air force revealed that the F-35 would be about twice as loud at takeoff as the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and up to four times as loud during landing.[84] As a result, residents near Luke Air Force Base, Arizona and Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, possible home bases for the jet, requested that the air force conduct environmental impact studies concerning the F-35's noise levels.[84] The city of Valparaiso, Florida, adjacent to Eglin AFB, threatened in February 2009 to sue over the impending arrival of the F-35s, but this lawsuit was settled in March 2010.[85][86][87] Moreover, it was reported in March 2009 that testing by Lockheed Martin and the Royal Australian Air Force revealed that the F-35 was not as loud as first reported, being "only about as noisy as an F-16 fitted with a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 engine" and "quieter than the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet."[88] However according to an acoustics study done by Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force, the noise levels of the F-35 are found to be comparable to the F-22 Raptor and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.[89] And a USAF environmental impact study found that replacing the F-16s with F-35s at Tucson International Airport would subject more than 21 times as many residents to extreme noise levels.[90]

Cockpit

F-35 cockpit and instrument panel mock-up

The F-35 features a full-panel-width "panoramic cockpit display" (PCD) glass cockpit, with dimensions of 20 by 8 inches (50 by 20 centimeters).[91] A cockpit speech-recognition system (Direct Voice Input) provided by Adacel is planned to improve the pilot's ability to operate the aircraft over the current-generation interface. The F-35 will be the first U.S. operational fixed-wing aircraft to use this system, although similar systems have been used in AV-8B and trialled in previous U.S. jets, particularly the F-16 VISTA.[92]

A helmet-mounted display system (HMDS) will be fitted to all models of the F-35. A helmet-mounted cueing system is already in service with the F-15s, F-16s and F/A-18s.[93] While some fighters have offered HMDS along with a head up display (HUD), this will be the first time in several decades that a front line tactical jet fighter has been designed without a HUD.[94] The F-35 is equipped with a right-hand HOTAS side stick controller.

The Martin-Baker US16E ejection seat is used in all F-35 variants.[95] The US16E seat design balances major performance requirements, including safe-terrain-clearance limits, pilot-load limits, and pilot size. It uses a twin-catapult system that is housed in side rails.[96] The F-35 uses a derivative version of the oxygen system that has been implicated in hypoxia incidents on board the F-22. But the F-35 does not fly as high or as fast as the F-22; its flight profile is similar to other fighters that use such systems routinely.[97][98][99]

Sensors and avionics

Electro-optical target system (EOTS) under the nose of a mockup of the F-35

The F-35's sensor and communications suite is intended to facilitate situational awareness, command-and-control and network-centric warfare capability.[4][100] The main sensor on board the F-35 is its AN/APG-81 AESA-radar, designed by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems.[101] It is augmented by the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) mounted under the nose of the aircraft, designed by Lockheed Martin.[102] This gives the same capabilities as the Lockheed Martin Sniper XR while avoiding making the aircraft more easily detectable.[103][104]

Six additional passive infrared sensors are distributed over the aircraft as part of Northrop Grumman's AN/AAQ-37 distributed aperture system (DAS),[105] which acts as a missile warning system, reports missile launch locations, detects and tracks approaching aircraft spherically around the F-35, and replaces traditional night vision goggles for night operations and navigation. All DAS functions are performed simultaneously, in every direction, at all times. The F-35's Electronic Warfare systems are designed by BAE Systems and include Northrop Grumman components.[106] Some functions such as the Electro-Optical Targeting System and the Electronic Warfare system are not usually found integrated on fighters.[107]

The AN/ASQ-239 (Barracuda) system is an improved version of the AN/ALR-94 EW suite on the F-22. The AN/ASQ-239 provides sensor fusion of RF and IR tracking functions, basic radar warning, multispectral countermeasures for self-defense against threat missiles, situational awareness and electronic surveillance. It uses 10 RF antennae over the leading and trailing edges of the wing leading and trailing edges of the horizontal tail.[108][109]

The communications, navigation and identification (CNI) suite is designed by Northrop Grumman and includes the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL). The F-35 will be the first jet fighter that has sensor fusion that combines both radio frequency and IR tracking for continuous target detection and identification in all directions which is shared via MADL to other platforms without compromising low observability.[16] However the F-35 also includes the non-stealthy Link 16 for communications with legacy systems for missions including Close air support.[110]

The F-35 has been designed with synergy between sensors as a specific requirement, with the "senses" of the aircraft expected to provide a more cohesive picture of the reality around it, and be available in principle for use in any possible way, and any possible combination with one another. All of the sensors feed directly into the main processors to support the entire mission of the aircraft. For example the AN/APG-81 functions not just as a multi-mode radar, but also as part of the aircraft's electronic warfare system.[111] Northrop Grumman is offering the APG-81 as an upgrade for legacy aircraft, but because the "back end processing" on the F-35 is done in software on the main processors, the upgrade version requires their Scalable Agile Beam Radar electronics to operate on other aircraft.[112]

Unlike previous aircraft, such as the F-22, all software for the F-35 is written in C++ for faster code development. The Integrity DO-178B real-time operating system (RTOS) from Green Hills Software runs on COTS Freescale PowerPC processors.[113] The final Block 3 software for the F-35 is planned to have 8.6 million lines of software code.[114] The scale of the program has led to a software crisis as officials continue to discover that additional software needs to be written.[115] General Norton Schwartz has said that the software is the biggest factor that might delay the USAF's initial operational capability which is now scheduled for April 2016.[116] Michael Gilmore, Director of Operational Test & Evaluation, has written that, "the F-35 mission systems software development and test is tending towards familiar historical patterns of extended development, discovery in flight test, and deferrals to later increments."[117]

The F-35's electronic warfare systems are intended to detect hostile aircraft first, which can then be scanned with the electro-optical system and action taken to engage or evade the opponent before the F-35 is detected.[111] The CATbird avionics testbed for the F-35 program has proved capable of detecting and jamming F-22 radars.[118]

The F-35 was previously considered a platform for the Next Generation Jammer, but attention has shifted to the use of unmanned platforms.[119]

Helmet-mounted display system

VSI Helmet-mounted display system

The F-35 does not need to be physically pointing at its target for weapons to be successful.[60][120] This is possible because of sensors that can track and target a nearby aircraft from any orientation, provide the information to the pilot through his helmet (and therefore visible no matter which way they are looking), and provide the seeker-head of a missile with sufficient information. Recent missile types provide a much greater ability to pursue a target regardless of the launch orientation, called "High Off-Boresight" capability, although the speed and direction in which the munition is launched affect the effective range of the weapon. Sensors use combined radio frequency and infra red (SAIRST) to continually track nearby aircraft while the pilot's helmet-mounted display system (HMDS) displays and selects targets. The helmet system replaces the display suite-mounted head-up display used in earlier fighters.

The F-35's systems provide the edge in the "observe, orient, decide, and act" OODA loop; stealth and advanced sensors aid in observation (while being difficult to observe), automated target tracking helps in orientation, sensor fusion simplifies decision making, and the aircraft's controls allow the pilot to keep their focus on the targets, rather than the controls of their aircraft.[121][N 3]

The problems with the current Vision Systems International helmet-mounted display led Lockheed Martin to issue a draft specification for proposals for an alternative on 1 March 2011.[122] The alternative system will be based on Anvis-9 night vision goggles.[123] It will be supplied by BAE systems.[124] The BAE system does not yet include all the features of the VSI helmet and if successful will have the remaining features incorporated.[125] Use of the BAE system would also require a cockpit redesign.[126]

In 2011, Lockheed granted VSI a contract to fix the vibration, jitter, night-vision and sensor display problems in their helmet-mounted display. The improved displays are expected to be delivered in third quarter of 2013.[127] One of the potential improvements is to replace Intevac’s ISIE-10 day/night camera located in the helmet with their ISIE-11 model which will improve the resolution from 1280x1024 to 1600x1200 pixels.[128]

Maintenance

The program's maintenance concept is for any F-35 to be maintained in any F-35 maintenance facility and that all F-35 parts in all bases will be globally tracked and shared as needed.[129] The commonality between the different variants has allowed the USMC to create their first aircraft maintenance Field Training Detachment to directly apply the lessons of the USAF to their own F-35 maintenance operations.[130]

The aircraft has been designed for ease of maintenance, with 95% of all field replaceable parts "one deep" where nothing else has to be removed to get to the part in question. For instance the ejection seat can be replaced without removing the canopy, the aircraft uses low-maintenance electro-hydrostatic actuators instead of hydraulic systems and an all-composite skin without the fragile coatings found on earlier stealth aircraft.[131]

Operational history

Testing

Main article: Development § Testing

The first F-35A (designated AA-1) was rolled out in Fort Worth, Texas on 19 February 2006.

Variants

Configuration of the three original F-35 variants

The F-35 is being built in three different main versions to suit various combat missions. A fourth variant, the F-35I is an export version for Israel.

F-35A

The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant intended for the U.S. Air Force and other air forces. It is the smallest, lightest F-35 version and is the only variant equipped with an internal cannon, the GAU-22/A. This 25 mm cannon is a development of the GAU-12 carried by the USMC's AV-8B Harrier II. It is designed for increased effectiveness against ground targets compared to the 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon carried by other USAF fighters.

The F-35A is expected to match the F-16 in maneuverability and instantaneous and sustained high-g performance, and outperform it in stealth, payload, range on internal fuel, avionics, operational effectiveness, supportability, and survivability.[132] It is expected to match an F-16 that is carrying the usual external fuel tank in acceleration performance.[133] It also has an internal laser designator and infrared sensors, equivalent to the Sniper XR pod carried by the F-16, but built in to reduce radar cross section.

The A variant is primarily intended to replace the USAF's F-16 Fighting Falcon. It is also to replace the A-10 Thunderbolt II starting in 2028.[134][135]

The F-35A can be outfitted with either of the two main air to air refueling types, which was a consideration in the Canadian purchase, and a deciding factor in the cost for the Japanese purchase.[136][137][138]

F-35B

The Pratt & Whitney F135 engine with lift fan, roll posts, and rear vectoring nozzle, as designed for the F-35B, at the Paris Air Show, 2007
F-35B vertical landing during its first sea trials aboard USS Wasp (LHD-1), October 2011.
F-35B short-takeoff from USS Wasp (LHD-1) during its first sea trials, October 2011.

The F-35B is the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the aircraft. Similar in size to the A variant, the B sacrifices about a third of the other version's fuel volume to make room for the vertical flight system. Takeoffs and landing with vertical flight systems are by far the riskiest, and in the end, a decisive factor in design. Like the AV-8B Harrier II, the B’s guns will be carried in a ventral pod. Whereas the F-35A is stressed to 9 g, the F-35B is stressed to 7 g.[139][140] The F-35B was unveiled at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant on 18 December 2007,[141] and the first test flight was on 11 June 2008.[142]

Unlike the other variants, because it can land vertically the F-35B has no landing hook. The "STOVL/HOOK" button in the cockpit initiates conversion instead of dropping the hook.[143] The F-35B sends jet thrust directly downwards during vertical takeoffs and landing and the nozzle is being redesigned to spread the output out in an oval rather than a small circle so as to limit damage to asphalt and ship decks.[144] The variant's three-bearing swivel nozzle that directs the full thrust of the afterburning jet engine is moved by a “fueldraulic” actuator, using pressurized jet fuel.[145]

The United States Marine Corps plans to purchase 340 F-35Bs,[146] to replace all current inventories of the F/A-18 Hornet (A, B, C and D-models), and AV-8B Harrier II in the fighter, and attack roles.[147] The marines are planning to use the F-35B from "unimproved surfaces at austere bases" and are preparing landing spots with "special, high-temperature concrete designed to handle the heat from the JSF".[148][149]

The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy plans to use the F-35B to replace their Harrier GR9s, which were retired in 2010. One of the Royal Navy requirements for the F-35B design was a Shipborne Rolling and Vertical Landing (SRVL) mode to increase the maximum landing weights for carried weapons via wing lift.[150][151] In October 2010, the UK announced plans to order to the CATOBAR F-35C variant instead,[152] but in May 2012 the UK reverted back to purchasing the F-35B, citing the cost of equipping the UK's new aircraft carriers for the F-35C.[153][154] On 19 July 2012 the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, in a speech in the USA, indicated that the UK would initially receive 48 F-35B and would announce at a later date what the final numbers will be.

The Italian Navy is preparing Grottaglie Air Station for future operations with the F-35B. The Italian Navy is to receive 22 aircraft between 2014 and 2021, with its Cavour aircraft carrier set to be modified to operate them by 2016.[155]

Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James Amos has said that, in spite of its increasing costs and schedule delays, there is no plan B to substitute for the F-35B.[156] The F-35B is larger than the aircraft it replaces, which required the USS America (LHA-6) to be designed without needed well deck capabilities.[157] In 2011, the USMC and USN signed an agreement that the USMC will purchase 340 F-35B and 80 F-35C while the USN will purchase 260 F-35C. The five squadrons of marine corps F-35Cs will be assigned to the Navy carriers while the Marine Corps F-35Bs will be used on amphibious ships and ashore.[158][159][160]

On 6 January 2011, Gates said that the 2012 budget would call for a two-year pause in F-35B production during which the aircraft may be redesigned, or canceled if unsuccessful. Gates stated, "If we cannot fix this variant during this time frame, and get it back on track in terms of performance, cost and schedule, then I believe it should be canceled."[161][162][163] The probation was ended by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on 20 January 2012 because of progress made over the past year.[164]

Lockheed Martin executive vice president Tom Burbage and former Pentagon director of operational testing Tom Christie have said that most of the delays in the total program have been due to issues with the F-35B, which forced massive redesigns on the other versions.[165]

The USMC intends to declare Initial Operational Capability with about 50 F-35s running interim Block 2B software in the 2014 to 2015 timeframe.[166]

Lockheed Martin Vice President Steve O’Bryan has said that most F-35B landings will be purely conventional in order to reduce stress on the vertical lift components.[167] Conventional operations also reduce the risk of self-induced foreign object damage.[168][169]

On 3 October 2011, the F-35B began its initial sea-trials by performing a vertical landing on the deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp.[170]

The USAF will not be replacing the A-10 with the F-35B, because the F-35B will not be able to generate sufficient sorties.[171]

F-35C

F-35C launching from an electromagnetic catapult during testing, November 2011.

Compared to the F-35A, the F-35C carrier variant features larger wings with foldable wingtip sections, larger wing and tail control surfaces for improved low-speed control, stronger landing gear for the stresses of carrier arrested landings, a twin-wheel nose gear, and a stronger tailhook for use with carrier arrestor cables. The larger wing area allows for decreased landing speed while increasing both range and payload.

The United States Navy will use the F-35C carrier variant. It intends to buy 480 F-35Cs to replace the F/A-18A, B, C, and D Hornets. The F-35C will also serve as a low-observable complement to the Super Hornet.[172] On 27 June 2007, the carrier variant completed its Air System Critical Design Review (CDR). This allows the first two functional prototype F-35C units to be produced.[173] The C variant is expected to be available beginning in 2014.[174] The first F-35C was rolled out on 29 July 2009.[175] The United States Marine Corps will also purchase 80 F-35Cs, enough for five marine fighter-attack squadrons, for use with navy carrier air wings in a joint service agreement signed on 14 March 2011.[158][159][160]

On 6 November 2010, the first F-35C arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. At the time, it was determined that the replacement engines for at-sea repair are too large to be transported by current underway replenishment systems.[176] In 2011, the F-35Cs were grounded for six days because of a software error in the code that was intended to keep the wings from folding in mid-flight.[177] On 27 July 2011, the F-35C test aircraft CF-3 completed its first steam catapult launch during a test flight in Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst. The TC-13 Mod 2 test steam catapult, representative of current fleet technology, was used. In addition to the catapult launches at varying power levels, the integrated test team is to execute a test plan over three weeks to include dual-aircraft jet blast deflector testing and catapult launches using a degraded catapult configuration to measure the effects of steam ingestion on the aircraft.[178]

On 13 August 2011, the F-35 integrated test force completed jet blast deflector (JBD) testing at the Lakehurst facility, with a round of two-aircraft testing. F-35C test aircraft CF-1 along with an F/A-18E tested a combined JBD cooling panel configuration to assess the integration of F-35s in aircraft carrier launch operations. “We completed all of our JBD test points efficiently,” said Andrew Maack, government chief test engineer. “It was a great collaborative effort by all parties.” The government and industry team completed tests that measured temperatures, pressures, sound levels, velocities, and other environmental data. The combined JBD model is to enable carrier deck crews to operate all air wing aircraft, now including the F-35C, as operational tempo requires. Future carrier suitability testing is scheduled throughout 2011, including ongoing catapult testing and the start of arrestment testing in preparation for initial ship trials in 2013.[179] On 18 November 2011, the U.S. Navy used its new Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) to catapult an F-35C into the air for the first time.[180]

The USN is dealing with the following issues in adapting their carriers to operate the F-35C.[181]

  • The F135 jet engine exceeds the weight capacity of traditional replenishment systems and generates more heat than previous engines.
  • The F-35C's stealthy skin will require new repair techniques and extensive damage will require returning the aircraft to the factory for repairs.
  • The F-35C uses volatile lithium-ion batteries and higher voltage systems than traditional fighters.
  • The F-35C carries new weapons not previously used on carrier aircraft.
  • And the F-35C generates so much classified data that mission briefing rooms will require extra security.

Other versions

F-35I

Main article: Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Israeli procurement

The F-35I is an F-35A with Israeli modifications. A senior Israel Air Force official stated "the aircraft will be designated F-35I, as there will be unique Israeli features installed in them". Despite an initial refusal to allow such modifications, the U.S. has agreed to let Israel integrate its own electronic warfare systems into the aircraft’s built-in electronic suite. That would let Israel gradually add indigenously produced EW sensors and countermeasures once it receives its first squadron. In addition, a plug-and-play feature added to the main computer will allow for the use of Israeli electronics in an add-on fashion. Israel will be able to fit its own external jamming pod and plans to install its own air-to-air missiles and guided bombs in the F-35’s internal weapon bays.[182][183] A contract was issued for this in 2012.[184]

Israel Aerospace Industries has considered playing a role in the development of a proposed two-seat F-35. An IAI executive stated, "There is a known demand for two seats not only from Israel but from other air forces. Advanced aircraft are usually two seats rather than single seats."[185] IAI also plans to produce conformal fuel tanks to extend the range.[186]

A senior IAF official has said that elements of the stealth on the F-35 may be overcome in 5 to 10 years, while the aircraft will be in service for 30 to 40 years, and that that is the reason that Israel has insisted on the ability to install their own, electronic warfare systems. “The basic F-35 design is OK. We can make do with adding integrated software.”[187]

CF-35

Main article: Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Canadian procurement

The Canadian CF-35 will differ from the F-35A through the addition of a drag chute and an F-35B/C style refueling probe.[188][189] Norway may also use the drag chute option, as they also have icy runways.[82][190] The Norwegians have reported good results with using drag chutes on their current F-16 fleet and expect similar results with the F-35.[191]

The alternative would be to adopt the F-35C for its probe refueling and lower landing speed, but the Parliamentary Budget Officer's report cited the F-35C's reduced range and limited payload as too high a price to pay.[192] Although the heavier F-35C airframe does reduce the maximum G-level as compared to the F-35A, the F-35C will have both the largest internal fuel capacity and longest range out of the three F-35 variants, though it will be more expensive than the F-35A.

Specifications (F-35A)

The first of 15 pre-production F-35s
F-35B cutaway with LiftFan
External image
F-35B Lightning II cutaway illustration
image icon Hi-res cutaway of F-35B Lightning II STOVL by Flight Global, 2006.

Data from Lockheed Martin specifications,[17][193][194] F-35 Program brief,[60] F-35 JSF Statistics[54] F-35 Program Status,[195]

General characteristics

Performance(Tested to Mach 1.61)[197]on internal fuel

  • Combat range: 670 mi (1,080 km, 584 nmi) on internal fuel[199]
  • Service ceiling: 60,000[200] ft (18,000 m) (Tested to 43,000 ft)[201]
  • Thrust/weight:
    • With full fuel: 0.87
    • With 50% fuel: 1.07
  • g-Limits: 9 g[N 6]

Armament

Avionics

Differences between variants
F-35A
CTOL 		F-35B
STOVL 		F-35C
CATOBAR
Length 51.4 ft (15.7 m) 51.3 ft (15.6 m) 51.5 ft (15.7 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)
Empty weight 29,300 lb (13,300 kg) 32,300 lb (14,700 kg) 34,800 lb (15,800 kg)
Internal fuel 18,250 lb (8,280 kg) 13,500 lb (6,125 kg) 19,750 lb (8,860 kg)
Max takeoff weight 70,000 lb class (31,800 kg) 60,000 lb class (27,300 kg) 70,000 lb class (31,800 kg)
Range 1,200 nmi (2,220 km) 900 nmi (1,670 km) 1,400 nmi (2,520 km)
Combat radius on
internal fuel[207] 		584 nmi (1,082 km) 469 nmi (869 km) 615 nmi (1,141 km)
Thrust/weight
 • full fuel:
 • 50% fuel: 		0.87
1.07 		0.90
1.04 		0.75
0.91

Notable appearances in media

Main article: Aircraft in fiction § F-35 Lightning II

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Notes

  1. ^ Quote: "The F-35A, with an air-to-air mission takeoff weight of 49,540 lb."[16]
  2. ^ "Republic F-105D; one Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W turbojet of 24,500/10,000 lb thrust; T/Wg 0.50; Wg/S 127.2."[18]
  3. ^ Quote: "Brigadier Davis was more forthright in his comments to media in Canberra, saying the ‘Raptor’ lacks some of the key sensors and the enhanced man-machine interface of the F-35."[121]
  4. ^ F-35B: 47,996 lb (21,771 kg); F-35C: 57,094 lb (25,896 kg)
  5. ^ F-35B: 14,003 lb (6,352 kg); F-35C: 20,085 lb (9,110 kg)
  6. ^ F-35B: 7.5 g, F-35C: 7.5 g
  7. ^ F-35B and F-35C have cannon in an external pod with 220 rounds
  8. ^ C is 51.5 ft (15.7 m)
  9. ^ B is the same, C: 14.9 ft (4.54 m)
  10. ^ C is same, B: 60,000 lb (27,000 kg)
  11. ^ F-35B: vertical thrust 39,700 lbf (176 kN)

Citations

  1. ^ "US Air Force sees delay in operational use of F-35." Reuters. 12 March 2012.
  2. ^ King, Samuel Jr. "First F-35 arrives at Eglin." U.S. Air Force, 15 July 2011. Retrieved: 20 July 2011.
  3. ^ Houghton, Kimberley. "BAE Systems gets chunk of jet contract." Union Leader, 5 January 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  4. ^ a b c "F-35 Capabilities."[dead link] Lockheed Martin, 2009. Retrieved 9 February 2009.
  5. ^ "Knesset Finance Committee approves F-35 deal." Globes (Israel). Retrieved: 29 November 2010.
  6. ^ F-35 Global Partnerships. Lockheed Martin
  7. ^ Dudley, Richard. "Program Partners Confirm Support for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter." Defence Update, 5 March 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  8. ^ "Israel plans for second F-35 squadron." United Press International, 27 February 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  9. ^ "US Lockheed Martin F-35 chosen as Japan fighter jet." BBC News, 20 December 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
  10. ^ Fukue, Natsuko. "U.S.-made F-35 is chosen for ASDF". Japan Times, 21 December 2011, p. 1.
  11. ^ Wall, Robert, "Lockheed Dismisses Korea F-35 Schedule Issue." Aviation Week. 21 February 2012.
  12. ^ "Vertiflight". Journal of the American Helicopter Society, January 2004.
  13. ^ Hayles, John. "Yakovlev Yak-41 'Freestyle'." Aeroflight, 28 March 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2008.
  14. ^ "Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)."[dead link] Jane's. Retrieved 3 July 2008.
  15. ^ Kent, John R. and Chris Geisel. "F-35 STOVL supersonic."[dead link] lockheedmartin.com. Retrieved: 16 November 2010.
  16. ^ a b c Nativi, Andy. "F-35 Air Combat Skills Analyzed." Aviation Week, 5 March 2009.
  17. ^ a b c "F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing Variant." Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  18. ^ Loftin, Laurence K. Jr. NASA SP-468 "Quest for Performance: The Evolution of Modern Aircraft" NASA. Retrieved: 25 November 2010.
  19. ^ Johns, Darnell Sharkleford. "Air Force presentation to House Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces."[dead link] armedservices.house.gov, 20 May 2009, p. 10. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  20. ^ Amaani, USAF Tech. Sgt. Lyle. "Air Force takes combat air acquisitions priorities to Hill." U.S. Air Force, 3 April 2009.
  21. ^ a b Butler, Amy. "New Stealth Concept Could Affect JSF Cost." Aviation Week, 17 May 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  22. ^ Philips, E. H. "The Electric Jet." Aviation Week & Space Technology, 5 February 2007.
  23. ^ Parker, Ian. "Reducing Risk on the Joint Strike Fighter." Avionics Magazine, Access Intelligence, LLC, 1 June 2007. Retrieved 8 June 2007.
  24. ^ Giese, Jack. "F-35 Brings Unique 5th Generation Capabilities."[dead link] lockheedmartin.com, 23 October 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  25. ^ Shalal-Esa, Andrea. "Pentagon seeks competition for sustainment of Lockheed F-35." Reuters, 28 September 2012.
  26. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Farnborough: Lockheed encouraged by pace of F-35 testing." flightglobal.com, 12 June 2010. Retrieved 22 July 2010.
  27. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Lockheed Martin sees F-35A replacing USAF air superiority F-15C/Ds." flightglobal.com, 4 February 2010. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
  28. ^ "Silent Eagle Media Brief.Doc", p. 10. Boeing, 2009.
  29. ^ "LockMart F-35 FAQ." Lockheed Martin, 2011.
  30. ^ "Contract Awarded To Validate Process For JSF." onlineamd.com, 17 May 2010. Retrieved 22 July 2010.
  31. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Lockheed Martin reveals F-35 to feature nanocomposite structures." Flight International, 26 May 2011.
  32. ^ Edwards, Jack E. "Defense Management: DOD Needs to Monitor and Assess Corrective Actions Resulting from Its Corrosion Study of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter." United States Government Accountability Office, Washington, DC, 16 December 2010.
  33. ^ Clark, Colin. "AF Worries JSF Costs May Soar." DoD Buzz 27 January 2011.
  34. ^ Capaccio, Tony. "Lockheed Martin F-35 Operating Costs May Reach $1 Trillion." Bloomberg News, 21 April 2011.
  35. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Rolls-Royce: F136 survival is key for major F-35 engine upgrade." Flight International, 11 June 2009.
  36. ^ "GE, Rolls Royce Stop Funding F-35 Alt Engine." Defense News, 4 December 2011.
  37. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions about JSF." JSF. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
  38. ^ Bevilaqua et al. "Propulsion system for a vertical and short takeoff and landing aircraft", United States Patent 5209428. May 11, 1993. PDF of original, 1990
  39. ^ "-as Allison begins JSF lift-fan tests" Flight International, 21 May 1997. Retrieved: 19 September 2010.
  40. ^ "Swivel nozzle VJ101D and VJ101E." Vstol.org, 20 June 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2009.[dead link]
  41. ^ Hirschberg, Mike. "V/STOL Fighter Programs in Germany: 1956-1975" page 50. 2000 International Powered Lift Conference, 1 November 2000. Retrieved: 3 October 2012.
  42. ^ "How the Harrier hovers." harrier.org. Retrieved: 16 November 2010.
  43. ^ "LiftSystem." Rolls-Royce. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  44. ^ Zolfagharifard, Ellie. "Rolls-Royce's LiftSystem for the Joint Strike Fighter" The Engineer, 28 March 2011.
  45. ^ Kjelgaard, Chris. "From Supersonic to Hover: How the F-35 Flies". Space, 21 December 2007. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  46. ^ Hutchinson, John. "Going Vertical: Developing a STOVL system." ingenia.org.uk. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  47. ^ Warwick, Graham. "Second Engine Could Cut F-35 Production." Aviation Week. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
  48. ^ "GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team completes study for Netherlands." rolls-royce.com. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  49. ^ "Pratt Raises Stakes In JSF Engine Battle." Aviation Week, 27 August 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
  50. ^ "Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Succeeds In First Vertical Landing." [dead link] lockheedmartin.com, Press Release, 18 March 2010.
  51. ^ Warwick, Graham. "Screech, the F135 and the JSF Engine War." Aviation Week, 17 March 2011.
  52. ^ Swedberg, Claire. "Energy-Harvesting Sensors to Monitor Health of Jet Engines." RFID Journal, 31 May 2011.
  53. ^ "F-35 gun system", "GAU-22/A". General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
  54. ^ a b c d e "F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Media Kit Statistics." JSF.mil August 2004.
  55. ^ Keijsper 2007, p. 233.
  56. ^ a b Bolsøy, Bjørnar. "F-35 Lightning II status and future prospects." f-16.net, 17 September 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  57. ^ Donald, David. "Terma Highlights F-35 Multi-Mission Pod." AINonline, 11 July 2012.
  58. ^ a b Hewson, Robert. "UK changes JSF configuration for ASRAAM." Jane's, 4 March 2008.
  59. ^ Keijsper 2007, pp. 220, 239.
  60. ^ a b c d e f g h Davis, Brigadier General Charles R. "F-35 Program Brief." USAF, 26 September 2006. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  61. ^ a b Digger, Davis. "JSF Range & Airspace Requirements." Headquarters Air Combat Command, Defense Technical Information Center, 30 October 2007. Retrieved 3 December 2008.
  62. ^ "JSF Suite: BRU-67, BRU-68, LAU-147 - Carriage Systems: Pneumatic Actuated, Single Carriage." es.is.itt.com, 2009 [last update]. Retrieved: 24 June 2011.
  63. ^ Lake 2010, pp. 37–45.
  64. ^ "F-35B STOVL Variant." Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
  65. ^ "Small Diameter Bomb II – GBU-53/B." Defense Update. Retrieved 28 August 2010.
  66. ^ "MBDA reveals clipped-fin Meteor for F-35." Flight Global, 7 November 2010.
  67. ^ "F-35 Lightning II News: ASRAAM Config Change For F-35." f-16.net, 4 March 2008.
  68. ^ Tran, Pierre. "MBDA Shows Off ASRAAM"[dead link] Defense News, 22 February 2008.
  69. ^ "Important cooperative agreement with Lockheed Martin." Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, 9 June 2009. Quote: "The missile has a range in excess of 150 nautical miles."
  70. ^ Fulghum, David A. "Lasers being developed for F-35 and AC-130." Aviation Week and Space Technology, 8 July 2002. Retrieved 8 February 2006.
  71. ^ Morris, Jefferson. "Keeping cool a big challenge for JSF laser, Lockheed Martin says." Aerospace Daily, 26 September 2002. Retrieved 3 June 2007.
  72. ^ Fulghum, David A. "Lasers, HPM weapons near operational status." Aviation Week and Space Technology, 22 July 2002. Retrieved 8 February 2006.
  73. ^ "Raytheon gets DARPA boost for AMRAAM, HARM replacement." Flight Global, 4 November 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
  74. ^ Reed, John. "Minuteman III Follow-On Being Eyed, Nukes for JSF Delayed." DoD Buzz, 6 April 2011.
  75. ^ "F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Lightning II." Global Security. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  76. ^ Hehs, Eric. "JSF Diverterless Supersonic Inlet."[dead link] Code One Magazine. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  77. ^ "F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Lightning II." GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
  78. ^ a b Kopp, Carlo. "Assessing Joint Strike Fighter Defence Penetration Capabilities." Air Power Australia, October 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  79. ^ Capaccio, Tony. "Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Fighter Jet Passes Initial Stealth Hurdle." Bloomberg News, 4 May 2011.
  80. ^ "Lockheed Martin wins $13 million contract for Strike Fighter aircraft from US Air Force." defenseworld.net, 22 November 2010.
  81. ^ Brewer, Jeffrey and Shawn Meadows. "Survivability of the Next Strike Fighter", p. 23. Aircraft Survivability: Susceptibility Reduction via Joint Aircraft Survivability Program Office (JASPO), Summer 2006.
  82. ^ a b "USAF FY00 activity on the JSF." U.S. Director, Operational Test & Evaluation. Retrieved: 17 l 2012.
  83. ^ "F-35 Norwegian Executive Summary." Lockheed Martin, April 2008.
  84. ^ a b Alaimo, Carol Ann. "Noisy F-35 Still Without A Home." Arizona Daily Star, 30 November 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  85. ^ Moore, Mona. "Val-P to sue the Air Force." Northwest Florida Daily News, 19 February 2009, Volume 63, Number 20, p. A1.
  86. ^ Barlow, Kari C. "Val-p wants Okaloosa to reimburse F-35 legal fees." thedestinlog.com, 16 April 2010.
  87. ^ Nicholson, Brendan. "Noise triggers legal bid to down jet fighter." The Australian, 12 April 2011.
  88. ^ Perrett, Bradley. "F-35 May Need Thermal Management Changes." Aviation Week, 12 March 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  89. ^ "Joint Communications Release, JSF Program Office & Lockheed Martin. Subject: F-35 Acoustics Based on Edwards AFB Acoustics, Test." JSF Program Office & Lockheed Martin, April 2009. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
  90. ^ Alaimo, Carol Ann. "Noisy F-35 could affect thousands, study finds." Arizona Daily Star, 13 June 2012.
  91. ^ Goebel, Greg. "The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)." vectorsite.net. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  92. ^ Schutte, John. "Researchers fine-tune F-35 pilot-aircraft speech system." US Air Force, 10 October 2007.
  93. ^ "Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System." Boeing.com. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  94. ^ "VSI's Helmet Mounted Display System flies on Joint Strike Fighter."[dead link] Rockwell Collins, 2007. Retrieved 8 June 2008.
  95. ^ "Martin-Baker." JSF. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  96. ^ "JSF"[dead link]. Martin-Baker. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  97. ^ Peladeau, Jean. "Pilots worry about F-35 oxygen system." QMI Agency, 11 May 2012.
  98. ^ Peladeau, Jean. "Lockheed says F-22 problems won't plague F-35." QMI Agency, 18 May 2012.
  99. ^ Bennett, John T. "F-22's Oxygen Issues Raise Questions About F-35." US News, 24 May 2012.
  100. ^ McHale, John. "F-35 avionics: an interview with the Joint Strike Fighter's director of mission systems and software."[dead link] Military Aerospace. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  101. ^ "APG-81 (F-35 Lightning II)." Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. Retrieved 4 August 2007.
  102. ^ "Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control: Joint Strike Fighter Electro-Optical Targeting System."[dead link] Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 11 April 2008.
  103. ^ Scott, William B. "Sniper Targeting Pod Attacks From Long Standoff Ranges." Aviation Week, 3 October 2004. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  104. ^ Pappalardo, Joe. "How an F-35 Targets, Aims and Fires Without Being Seen." Popular Mechanics, December 2009. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
  105. ^ "F-35 Distributed Aperture System (EO DAS)." Northrop Grumman. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
  106. ^ "JSF EW Suite." istockanalyst.com. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  107. ^ Tirpak, John A (October 2012). "Slow Climb for the F-35" (PDF). AIR FORCE Magazine. p. 42. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  108. ^ Electronic Warfare: Australia's mixed record | Australian Defence News & Articles | Asia Pacific Defence Reporter
  109. ^ Electronic Warfare | Australian Defence News & Articles | Asia Pacific Defence Reporter
  110. ^ "Israel, US Negotiate $450 Million F-35I Avionic Enhancements." Defense Update, 27 July 2012.
  111. ^ a b Sherman, Ron. "F-35 Electronic Warfare Suite: More Than Self-Protection." aviationtoday.com, 1 July 2006. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
  112. ^ Majumdar, Dave. "Northrop Grumman to pitch new AESA radar to export customers." Flight International, 11 September 2012.
  113. ^ McHale, John. "F-35 Joint Strike Fighter leverages COTS for avionics systems."[dead link] Pennnet. Retrieved 12 September 2011.
  114. ^ Warwick, Graham. "Flight Tests Of Next F-35 Block Underway." Aviation Week, 12 June 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
  115. ^ Cox, Bob. "Pentagon officials to meet to address F-35 program's problems."[dead link] Star-Telegram, 21 November 2010.
  116. ^ Reed, John. "Schwartz Concerned About F-35A Delays." DoD buzz, 23 November 2010.
  117. ^ Sweetman, Bill. "More F-35B Delays, Software Schedule At Risk." Aviation Week, 13 January 2011.
  118. ^ David A. Fulghum, Bill Sweetman, Bradley Perrett and Robert Wall. "Stealthy Chinese J-20 Vulnerable." Aviation Week, 14 January 2011.
  119. ^ Fulghum, David. "New Plan: NGJ To Go Unmanned." Aviation Week, 25 January 2012.
  120. ^ "F-35 Distributed Aperture System EO DAS." Youtube.com. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  121. ^ a b "JSF: the first complete ‘OODA Loop’ aircraft." Australian Defence Business Review, December 2006, p. 23.
  122. ^ Butler, Amy. "Lockheed Shops For JSF Helmet Alternatives." Aviation Week, 4 March 2011.
  123. ^ Warwick, Graham. "Lockheed Weighs Alternate F-35 Helmet Display." Aviation Week, 21 April 2011.
  124. ^ "Lockheed Martin Selects BAE Systems to Supply F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Helmet Display Solution." BAE Systems, 10 October 2011.
  125. ^ Szondy, David. "BAE Systems to provide new helmet display for F-35 pilots." Gizmag, 21 October 2011.
  126. ^ Carey, Bill. "BAE Drives Dual Approach To Fixing F-35 Helmet Display Issues." AINonline . 15 February 2012.
  127. ^ "Lockheed Martin Awards F-35 Contract." Zacks Investment Research, 17 November 2011.
  128. ^ Jean, Grace V. "New Sensor Aims to Give F-35 Pilots a ‘Window Into the Night’." National Defense Magazine, August 2011.
  129. ^ "F-35, Maintenance and the Challenge of Service Standardization." Second Line of Defense, 9 June 2011.
  130. ^ Hawkins, Dan. "F-35 maintenance training spawns USMC's first air FTD." USMC, 27 July 2012.
  131. ^ Clark, Colin. "Why Lockheed Thinks F-35 Beats Boeing's F-18." Aol Defense, 3 November 2011.
  132. ^ Pike, John. "F-35A Joint Strike Fighter." Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  133. ^ "Flying The F-35: An Interview With Jon Beesley, F-35 Chief Test Pilot."[dead link] lockheedmartin.com. Retrieved: 25 November 2010.
  134. ^ Hebert, Adam J. "Lightning II: So Far, So Good." airforce-magazine.com, Air Force Association, Volume 90, Issue 7, July 2007. Retrieved 3 December 2008.
  135. ^ Laurenzo, Ron. "Air Force: No Plan To Retire A-10." GlobalSecurity.org, Defense Weekly, 9 June 2003. Retrieved 3 December 2008.
  136. ^ Waldron, Greg. "IN FOCUS: Tokyo casts wary eye on Chinese airpower developments." Flight International, 2 August 2012.
  137. ^ "F-35s face communication problems in Arctic." The Canadian Press, 23 October 2011.
  138. ^ Ewing, Philip. "Lockheed’s comprehensive Q&A on the F-35." DoD Buzz, 19 June 2012.
  139. ^ Sweetman, Bill. "Numbers Crunch: True cost of JSF program remains to be seen." Defense Technology International, February 2009, p. 22.
  140. ^ "F-35 HMDS Pulls the Gs". Defense Industry Daily, 25 October 2007.
  141. ^ "First short takeoff/vertical landing stealth fighter unveiled at Lockheed Martin."[dead link] lockheedmartin.com, 2011 [last update]. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  142. ^ Norris, Guy and Graham Warwick. "F-35B First Flight Boosts JSF as F-22 Loses Supporters." Aviation Week, 15 June 2008.
  143. ^ "F-35B STOVL-mode Flight." defenceaviation.com. Retrieved: 25 November 2010.
  144. ^ Clark, Colin. "JSF Heat Woes Being Fixed: Trautman." Dod Buzz, 19 July 2010. Retrieved 22 July 2010.
  145. ^ "Custom tool to save weeks in F-35B test and evaluation."[dead link] Naval Air Systems Command, 6 May 2011.
  146. ^ Cite error: The named reference Majumdar was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  147. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "US Marine Corps aviation branch plans to invest in fighter jets, helicopters, transports and UAVs." Flight International, Reed Business Information, 21 July 2008. Retrieved 21 July 2008.
  148. ^ Sweetman, Bill. "About That Austere-Base Thing..." Aviation Week, 11 March 2010.
  149. ^ Diamant, Aaron. "JSF construction lands another first." USMC, 22 December 2011.
  150. ^ "Major Projects Report 2008." Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  151. ^ "US Marines eye UK JSF shipborne technique." Flight Global, 15 June 2007. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
  152. ^ Hoyle, Craig. "Cameron: UK to swap JSFs to carrier variant, axe Harrier and Nimrod." Flightglobal.com, 19 October 2010.
  153. ^ Adlam, Jim. "UK Could Revert to STOVL F-35B for Carriers." Air Forces Online. Retrieved: 14 March 2012.
  154. ^ Chuter, Andrew. "It’s Official: U.K. To Switch Back to STOVL F-35." Defense News, 10 May 2012.
  155. ^ "F-35B on Italian "Cavour" aircraft carrier." Military-today.com, 4 December 2011.
  156. ^ Kovach, Gretel C. "Commandant calls Joint Strike Fighter essential." San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 December 2010.
  157. ^ Jean, Grace V. "Marines Question the Utility of Their New Amphibious Warship." National Defense Industrial Association, September 2008.
  158. ^ a b Daniel, Lisa. "Plan Improves Navy, Marine Corps Air Capabilities." American Forces Press Service (United States Department of Defense), 14 March 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
  159. ^ a b Cavas, Christopher P. "More Marines to fly carrier-variant JSFs." Marine Corps Times, 14 March 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
  160. ^ a b Cifuentes, Sgt Michael S. "Marine Corps continues flying with Joint Strike Fighter program." Headquarters Marine Corps, United States Marine Corps, 14 March 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
  161. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "US military unveils possible F-35B redesign in sweeping budget reforms." Flight International, 6 January 2011.
  162. ^ Pew, Glenn. "Pentagon May Cancel STOVL Version of F-35." AvWeb, January 2011. Retrieved 10 January 2011.
  163. ^ Sweetman, Bill. "F-35B On Probation; New Bomber to Go Forward." Aviation Week, 7 January 2011.
  164. ^ "Panetta Lifts F-35 Fighter Variant Probation" American Forces Press Service, 20 January 2012
  165. ^ Cox, Bob. "F-35 started with recipe for trouble, analysts say."[dead link] Star Telegram, 29 January 2011.
  166. ^ Majumdar, Dave. "U.S. Military May Deploy F-35 Before Formal IOC." Defense News, 24 May 2011.
  167. ^ Ewing, Philip. "Lockheed: Many F-35B landings won’t be vertical." DoD Buzz, 7 June 2011.
  168. ^ Hancock, Ben D. "The STOVL Joint Strike Fighter in Support of the 21st Century Marine Corps." USMC, 1997.
  169. ^ Bly, Peter. "Constructability of a High Temperature Concrete Pad." Geotechnical & Structures Laboratory US Army Engineer Research & Development Center (ERDC), 14 June 2011.
  170. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "VIDEO: F-35B completes first shipboard vertical landing." The DEWline, 4 October 2011.
  171. ^ Majumdar, Dave. "USAF: F-35B cannot generate enough sorties to replace A-10." Flight Magazine, 16 May 2012.
  172. ^ "F-35C Carrier Variant Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)." GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved: 16 June 2010.
  173. ^ "F-35 Navy Version Undergoes Successful Design Review, Readies for Production." Lockheed Martin, 7 June 2007. Retrieved 16 June 2010.
  174. ^ Grant, Rebecca L., PhD "Navy Speeds Up F-35." Lexington Institute, 14 September 2009. Retrieved 20 September 2009.
  175. ^ "F-35C Lightning II rolled out." FrontierIndia.net, 29 July 2009.
  176. ^ "JSF Engine too big for regular transport at sea." Navy Times, 30 November 2010.
  177. ^ Cavas, Christopher P. "U.S. Navy JSFs Resume Flight Ops After Glitch." Defense News, 24 June 2011.
  178. ^ "Catapult launches F-35C for the first time." Naval Air Systems Command, 27 July 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2011
  179. ^ "F-35C completes jet blast deflector testing." NAVAIR, 22 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  180. ^ Ewing, Philip. "The future is here: EMALS launches F-35." DODbuzz.com, 28 November 2011.
  181. ^ Majumdar, Dave. "US Navy works through F-35C air-ship integration issues." Flight International, 1 October 2012.
  182. ^ Ben-David, Alon. "Israel To Buy F-35s With Cockpit Mods." Aviation Week, 27 August 2010.
  183. ^ Ben-David, Alon, Amy Butler and Robert Wall. "Israel, U.S. Strike F-35 Technology Deal." Aviation Week, 7 July 2011. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  184. ^ Cite error: The named reference israeli_ew was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  185. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Israel sets sights on two-seater F-35." Flight Global, 22 January 2010.
  186. ^ Egozi, Arie. "Israel to boost range of future F-35 fleet." FlightGlobal. 11 January 2008.
  187. ^ "Israel, U.S. Agree To $450 Million In F-35 EW Work." Av Week, 6 August 2012.
  188. ^ "Canadian DND Reinforces Its Estimates for F-35 Acquisition." Department of National Defence (Canada), 21 March 2011.
  189. ^ Daly, Brian. "Harper, Ignatieff spar over fighter jets." Calgary Sun, 1 September 2010.
  190. ^ "DoD News: Contracts for June 15, 2012."
  191. ^ Pugliese, David. "Norwegian Fighter Pilots Respond To Defence Watch Post On The F-35 And Its Drag Chute." Ottawa Citizen, 18 September 2012.
  192. ^ "An Estimate of the Fiscal Impact of Canada’s Proposed Acquisition of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter." Parliamentary Budget Officer, 10 March 2011.
  193. ^ "F-35B Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing Variant." Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  194. ^ "F-35C Carrier Variant." Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  195. ^ "F-35 Lightning II Program Status and Fast Facts." Lockheed Martin, 13 March 2012. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
  196. ^ "F-35 variants." JSF. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
  197. ^ Cite error: The named reference F-35A Pushes to Mach 1.6 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  198. ^ "Pentagon Slackens Difficult-To-Achieve JSF Performance Requirements." Inside Defense. 1 March 2012.
  199. ^ "F-35 brochure, p. 6."[dead link] Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 1 April 2009.
  200. ^ "LockheedMartin F-35B JSF." Airtoaircombat.com. Retrieved 15 August 2009.
  201. ^ "Lockheed Martin F-35 Flight Test and Production Progress Report." Lockheed Martin. 23 February 2012.
  202. ^ "MBDA reveals clipped-fin Meteor for F-35." Flightglobal.com, 17 September 2010. Retrieved 4 December 2011.
  203. ^ "MBDA Launches SPEAR High Precision Surface Attack Weapon During Farnborough 2012." MBDA, 9 July 2012.
  204. ^ "Nuclear Posture Review Report." Department of Defense, Washington, D.C., April 2010. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
  205. ^ a b "The Pratt & Whitney F135". Jane's Aero Engines. Jane's Information Group, 2009. (subscription version, dated 10 July 2009).
  206. ^ "Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II". Jane's All the World's Aircraft. Jane's Information Group, 2010. (subscription article, dated 1 February 2010).
  207. ^ Freeman, Ben, (12 May 2011), JF-35's Range Falls Short of Predictions, Defence Professionals GmbH. Retrieved 18 March 2012

Bibliography

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
F-35 Lightning II


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:TGCP/Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II&oldid=1148866225"