The F-35 fighter jet, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, is a military stealth aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The first successful flight of the F-35 fighter jet occurred on December 15, 2006. Lockheed Martin will begin delivering the F-35 fighter to U.S. armed services in 2010.Official Site: F-35 Lightning II
Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced on April 6, 2009, that the Pentagon will discontinue the F-22 fighter jet and White House helicopter programs run by Lockheed Martin, instead increasing production of the F-35 fighter.BBC: Gates unveils US defence budget (April 6, 2009)
Aircraft Dimensions
- Length: 50 feet, 6 inches
- Wingspan: 35 feet
- Height: 17 feet, 4 inches
- Wing Area: 460 feetOfficial Site: F-35 Fighter
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Lockheed Martin F-35 Fighter Jet
-
Fact:
Also known as the F-35 Lightning II and the Joint Strike Fighter
-
Fact:
A fifth-generation, stealth-capable military strike aircraftOfficial Site: F-35 Fighter
-
Fact:
Single-seat
-
Fact:
Single-engine
-
Fact:
Capable of close air support, tactical bombing and air defense missionsOfficial Site: F-35 Fighter
-
Made in three model variants
conventional takeoff and landing, short takeoff and vertical-landing and carrier-basedOfficial Site: F-35 Fighter
-
Fact:
Conventional takeoff and landing model designed for the U.S. Air ForceOfficial Site: F-35 Fighter
-
Fact:
Short takeoff and vertical-landing model designed for the U.S. Marine Corps., U.K. Royal Air Force and the Royal NavyOfficial Site: F-35 Fighter
-
Fact:
Carrier-based model designed for the U.S. NavyOfficial Site: F-35 Fighter
-
Fact:
Descendant of the X-35
-
Fact:
The X-35 is a product of the Joint Strike Fighter program
-
Fact:
Development primarily funded by the United States and United KingdomOfficial Site: F-35 Fighter
-
Fact:
Designed by an aerospace team from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and BAE SystemsOfficial Site: F-35 Fighter
-
Fact:
First flight demonstration in 2000
-
Fact:
First flight occurred on December 15, 2006Official Site: F-35 Fighter
-
Fact:
Designed to be the top strike aircraft through 2040Official Site: F-35 Fighter
