Description
Squadron Prints Lithograph No. 1127 - F-35 Lightning II, NAS Patuxent River, Edwards AFB, Fort Worth.
The F-35 Lightning II (also known as the Joint Strike Fighter – JSF) is the world’s only 5th generation multi-role fighter aircraft. The F-35 blends cutting edge sensors and weapons, providing unmatched situational awareness and lethality, into a highly agile, supersonic, stealthy, airframe. Lethality, survivability, supportability and affordability are the common principles of design for all 3 variants that share over 85% commonality. The F-35A is the Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B is the Short Takeoff / Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant and the F-35C is the Carrier Variant (CV). All 3 variants are capable of flying at 50,000ft, at a speed of 1.6 Mach, have variable maximum g ratings up to 9g and a range (using internal fuel only) up to 1200nm. Lockheed Martin is the main contractor for the world’s biggest defence procurement programme, they are supported by 3 main industrial partners; BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman and Pratt & Whitney. All 3 variants are required to undergo extensive test before entering operational service with the armed forces of the 8 partner nations. This test program is split in 2, Development Test (DT) seeks to ensure the F-35 is airworthy and its mission and air vehicle performance meets the contractual specification. Operational Test (OT) involves flying the F-35 in highly dynamic, aggressive, operationally realistic scenarios to prove its mission effectiveness and capabilities. The 3 variants are tested at the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth (Texas), Naval Air Station Patuxent River (Maryland) and Edwards Air Force Base (California). The Integrated Training Center, responsible for training future pilots and maintainers, is at Eglin AFB (Florida). The delivery of the aircraft is the responsibility of the JSF Program Office based in Crystal City (Virginia).
