Number 96 of 100 in 100: The Lockheed F-35 Lightning II
Conceptualization:
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II was born out of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, which the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) launched in 1993 to replace aging fighter aircraft across multiple branches. The goal was to develop a cost-effective, multirole stealth fighter that could meet the diverse operational requirements of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as international allies.
The JSF competition awarded contracts to Lockheed Martin and Boeing to develop prototype aircraft: the X-35 and X-32, respectively. After an extensive evaluation process, Lockheed Martin’s X-35 outperformed the Boeing X-32, particularly in maneuverability and short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities. This led to Lockheed Martin winning the JSF contract in 2001, marking the beginning of the F-35’s development into the world’s most advanced fifth-generation multirole fighter.
Original Design:
The F-35 Lightning II is built around stealth, sensor fusion, and versatility, making it a game-changer in modern air combat. Its low observable (LO) design reduces its radar signature by utilizing radar-absorbent materials (RAM), internal weapons bays, and aerodynamically optimized shaping. This allows the F-35 to evade enemy radar more effectively than fourth-generation fighters.
Another revolutionary feature is its Helmet-Mounted Display System (HMDS), which projects flight and targeting data directly onto the pilot's helmet visor while providing 360-degree situational awareness through external cameras. Powering the F-35 is the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, capable of producing up to 43,000 pounds of thrust, making it one of the most powerful fighter jet engines in history. This allows the aircraft to achieve a top speed of Mach 1.6 and execute a variety of high-performance combat maneuvers.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Dylan Phelps ~ ZFW Aviation
Principal Designer:
The F-35 Lightning II is the result of years of innovation by some of the world's top aerospace engineers, drawing on expertise from projects like the F-22 Raptor and F-117 Nighthawk to integrate advanced stealth technology, superior aerodynamics, and unmatched mission flexibility. One of the most influential contributors was Paul Bevilaqua, Chief Aeronautical Scientist at Lockheed, whose design contributions to the LiftFan system was crucial to the F-35B’s Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, enabling operations from short runways and amphibious assault ships.
Production Run:
The first F-35A prototype made its maiden flight on December 15, 2006, marking the start of low-rate initial production (LRIP). The first deliveries to the U.S. military began in 2011, and the F-35 quickly gained traction among U.S. allies.
As of early 2025, over 1,000 aircraft have been produced, and production continues at a steady pace. The F-35 program reached full-rate production approval in March 2024, ensuring a continued supply of advanced fighters to the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as international customers like the UK, Japan, and Israel. With its widespread adoption, the F-35 is set to become the dominant air combat platform for decades to come.
Evolution:
The F-35 Lightning II has undergone continuous enhancements since its introduction, ensuring that it remains ahead of emerging threats. One of the most significant upgrades is the Block 4 upgrade. It adds new weapons (such as the AIM-9X Block II+ and JSM missile), enhances electronic warfare capabilities, and improves radar performance.
Another key milestone is the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), which includes a new integrated core processor (ICP), boosts computing power by 25x over previous versions, and supports Block 4 upgrades. These improvements ensure that the F-35 remains at the forefront of modern combat aviation, adapting to new missions, advanced adversary capabilities, and evolving battlefield conditions.
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin Official Website
Specifications:
Lockheed F-35A Lightning II Specifications:
General Characteristics:
- Crew: 1
- Length: 51.4 ft (15.7 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft (11 m)
- Height: 14.4 ft (4.4 m)
- Wing area: 460 sq ft (43 m2)
- Aspect Ratio: 2.66
- Empty weight: 29,300 lb (13,290 kg)
- Gross weight: 49,540 lb (22,471 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 65,918 lb (29,900 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 18,250 lb (8,278 kg) internal
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 afterburning turbofan, 28,000 lbf (120 kN) thrust dry, 43,000 lbf (190 kN) with afterburner
Performance:
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.6 at high altitude
- Mach 1.06, 700 knots (806 mph; 1,296 km/h) at sea level
- Range: 1,500 nmi (1,726 mi, 2,778 km)
- Combat range: 669 nmi (770 mi, 1,239 km) interdiction mission (air-to-surface) on internal fuel
- 760 nmi (870 mi; 1,410 km), air-to-air configuration on internal fuel
- Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,000 m)
- Wing loading: 107.7 lb/sq ft (526 kg/m2) at gross weight
- Thrust/Weight: 0.87 at max gross weight
In Comparison to Other Aircraft in its Class:
When comparing the Lockheed F-35A Lightning II to other aircraft in its class, particularly fourth-generation fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as other fifth-generation platforms like the F-22 Raptor and Sukhoi Su-57, a few key differences stand out. Unlike the F-16, which prioritizes speed and agility in traditional dogfights, the F-35A is designed with stealth and sensor fusion as its primary strengths. While its Mach 1.6 top speed is lower than the Mach 2.0+ capabilities of the F-22 Raptor or Eurofighter Typhoon, it makes up for this with its low observable design and advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The internal weapons bay ensures the F-35 maintains a low radar cross-section, while its Pratt & Whitney F135 engine delivers 43,000 pounds of thrust, providing a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.87—respectable for a multirole platform.
Compared to its closest peer, the F-22 Raptor, the F-35A trades air superiority specialization for multirole flexibility. The F-22 Raptor has a maximum speed of approximately Mach 2.25 and can supercruise at Mach 1.82, while the F-35A is more optimized for ground-attack, electronic warfare, and intelligence gathering. It also has a greater combat radius (760 nmi vs. ~430 nmi for the F-22), giving it extended operational range without the need for external fuel tanks. When compared to the Sukhoi Su-57, Russia's fifth-generation counterpart, the F-35A has an edge in avionics and sensor fusion, allowing pilots to process battlefield data more efficiently. The Sukhoi Su-57 has a maximum speed of approximately Mach 2.0. While it is designed for agility and speed, it does not match the F-35's advanced sensor fusion and network-centric warfare capabilities. In short, the F-35A is not about being the fastest or most agile fighter in the sky—it’s about seeing, shooting, and surviving before the enemy even knows it’s there.
Performance:
Lockheed F-35 Lightning II Performance Envelope:
V-Speeds:
- V_NE (Never Exceed Speed): Approximately Mach 1.6 (~1,200 mph or 1,930 km/h).
G-Load Limitations:
- F-35A (Conventional Takeoff and Landing): Rated for maneuvers up to +9.0 Gs.
- F-35B (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing): Rated for maneuvers up to +7.5 Gs.
- F-35C (Carrier Variant): Rated for maneuvers up to +7.5 Gs.
Performance Assessment:
The Lockheed F-35 Lightning II may not be the fastest jet in the sky, but it wasn’t designed to be. With a V_NE (Never Exceed Speed) of Mach 1.6, it trades raw speed for stealth, situational awareness, and advanced avionics. While legacy fourth-generation fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet can push past Mach 2.0, they lack the F-35’s ability to engage and disengage from threats without being detected. The F-35C’s low-speed handling and carrier-optimized aerodynamics also make it a formidable naval asset, allowing safe landings on moving carrier decks. Meanwhile, the F-35B’s ability to execute short takeoffs and vertical landings (STOVL) ensures operational flexibility for the Marine Corps, even in austere environments where traditional runways aren’t available.
When it comes to maneuverability, the F-35A stands out with its +9.0 G rating, putting it on par with air superiority fighters like the F-16 and F-22. This means it can pull tight, high-G turns during dogfights if necessary, though its best defense is avoiding a close-quarters engagement altogether. The F-35B and F-35C models, rated at +7.5 G and +7.5 G, respectively, are slightly less maneuverable due to their specialized takeoff and landing configurations, but they still outperform many older fighters in terms of agility. What the F-35 lacks in pure thrust and top speed, it more than makes up for with sensor fusion, superior avionics, and the ability to dictate engagements on its own terms—seeing the enemy first, firing first, and getting out before they even know what hit them.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Agustin Anaya
Safety Record:
As with any advanced fighter, the F-35 has experienced several incidents. On January 28, 2025, an F-35A experienced an in-flight malfunction during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The pilot ejected safely and was reported to be in stable condition. In September 2023, an F-35B crashed in South Carolina following an ejection.
While these incidents have raised concerns, the F-35's safety record is comparable to other advanced military aircraft. Ongoing software updates, structural enhancements, and pilot training programs ensure that the aircraft continues to improve in safety and reliability.
Conclusion:
The F-35 Lightning II is more than just a fighter jet—it is a revolutionary combat platform built for the next generation of warfare. With stealth, sensor fusion, and unparalleled mission flexibility, it is set to dominate air combat for years to come.
Ongoing technological advancements, international partnerships, and continuous upgrades ensure that the F-35 remains the world’s most advanced fighter jet, shaping the future of modern aerial warfare.
Photo Credit: planespotters.net - Dean Sperandio
Bibliography:
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Official Page
F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office