Lockheed Martin and F-35 JPO Forge Groundbreaking Deal for New Aircraft Production!
Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) have reached a consensus for the manufacturing and transfer of up to 296 F-35 Lightning II fighters under Lots 18 and 19.
Delivery is anticipated to commence in 2026, with the procurement including aircraft for U.S. military divisions, international allies, and foreign military sales clients.
This arrangement will additionally enhance the global F-35 fleet, which is currently utilized by over a dozen countries, including Germany, Denmark, and Poland.
F-35 Variants
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter presented in three key variants adapted to varied operational demands:
- F-35A (CTOL): The conventional takeoff and landing variant, extensively employed by the U.S. Air Force and allied nations, designed for operation from standard runways.
- F-35B (STOVL): This model, featuring short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, can be deployed from rudimentary airstrips and amphibious assault vessels. It is utilized by the U.S. Marine Corps, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
- F-35C (CV): Specifically engineered for carrier use, this variant is outfitted for catapult launches and arrested landings. It serves solely with the U.S. Navy as its initial stealth fighter for carrier air wings.
General Features
Driven by a single Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine producing up to 43,000 pounds (19,500 kg) of thrust, the F-35 Lightning II merges speed, stealth, and payload adaptability.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 35 feet (10.7 m), length 51 feet (15.7 m), height 14 feet (4.3 m).
- Performance: Top speed Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph / 1,930 km/h), range exceeding 1,350 miles (2,175 km) on internal fuel, extendable with aerial refueling.
- Weight & Fuel: Maximum takeoff weight 70,000 pounds (31,750 kg), internal fuel capacity 18,498 pounds (8,390 kg).
- Payload: Capable of carrying up to 18,000 pounds (8,160 kg) of armaments, held internally for stealth or externally for larger mission requirements.
Engineered for single-pilot operation, the F-35 incorporates sophisticated avionics, sensor fusion, and network connectivity, enabling it to undertake a broad range of missions from air dominance and strike operations to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
