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The F-35 Lightning II is a major multinational program which is intended to produce an "affordably stealthy" multi-role strike fighter that will have three variants: the F-35A conventional version for the US Air Force et. al.; the F-35B Short Take-Off, Vertical Landing for the US Marines, British Royal Navy, et. al.; and the F-35C conventional carrier-launched version for the US Navy. The aircraft is named after Lockheed's famous WW2 P-38 Lightning, and the Mach 2, stacked-engine English Electric (now BAE) Lightning jet.
This updated article has expanded to feature more detail regarding the F-35 program, including other FY 2006 contracts as well as notable events. As a result of reader feedback, we'll make the new material more visible by putting it in green type. Recent news includes The Netherlands signing the Production Sustainment & Follow On Development (PSFD) MoU in Washington DC, the Australian government's decision to proceed with the JSF production phase despite considerable criticism, and rumblings from Washington that the F-35 may be cut back in favour of more F-22A Raptors. |
