Lockheed Martin's stealth-capable, single-seat F-35 Lightning II strike fighter is currently under development as part of the Joint Strike Fighter program and is scheduled to be introduced in 2010.Lockheed Martin: F-35 Lightning II Product Page The F-35 is primarily being funded by the United States with additional funding coming from the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Norway and Denmark.Joint Strike Force: F-35Introduction
Brief History
The development of the F-35 began in 1996 when Lockheed Martin and Boeing were awarded contracts to build demonstrator aircraft. Lockheed Martin's fighter was deemed superior to the Boeing aircraft, and in 2001, a team led by Lockheed Martin was chosen to build 22 F-35s.Federation of American Scientists: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
Variants
The F-35's are being made with three variations. The F-35A is a Conventional Take-Off and Landing aircraft (CTOL) for U.S. Air Force air to ground strikes. The F-35B is a Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps. The F-35C is a Carrier Variant (CV), first-day-of-war strike fighter for the U.S. Navy.Joint Strike Force: F-35 Background
References
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