The fifth generation F-35s combination
of stealth and performance allows it to
serve as the world's premier multi-role
fighter capable of effectively
undertaking both air to air and air to
ground missions. In addition to its combat capabilities
the F-35 is unique in its ability to
enhance the capabilities of other
platforms and weapon systems linked
together with it by operating as a
quarterback. On the battlefield using its
ability to collect, process and
distribute data to distribute critical
battlefield information to friendly
forces in order to improve their
situational awareness and decision
making.
What also sets the F-35 apart is that
the lightning program has produced not
one but three separate F-35 lightning
two variants each designed to be
operated in a different manner. This flexibility allows three different
military services access to the F-35s
potent capabilities, of the three the most common variant is
the F-35A.
Designed to be operated from a
conventional runway the F-35A has been
designed for use by the united states
air force which now operates more F-35
as than any other aircraft in its
fighter fleet other than the
long-serving F-16, while the F-35A is
also the most common variant of the
lightning 2 operated by the united
states international partners and allies.
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| F-35A |
The F-35A is powered by a single pratt
and whitney F-135 PW100 turbofan engine, providing a
maximum thrust of 43,000 pounds. the F-35A's maximum takeoff
weight and payload are seventy thousand
and eighteen thousand pounds. Respectively and the aircraft is capable
of reaching speeds as high as mach 1.6
about 1,200 miles per hour and an
altitude of more than fifty thousand
feet.
The F minus thirty five a's maximum
operational range is greater than one
thousand three hundred fifty miles. As a multi-role fighter the F-35A is
capable of mounting an array of
different weapons including both
air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions
as well as anti-ship weaponry, depending
on operational needs. The F-35A is capable of mounting both
internal and external weaponry depending
on situational need.
When mounted internally the F-35A is able
to maintain its impressive stealth
capabilities, but when the mission calls
for it the aircraft can be operated in
beast mode by mounting additional
external weaponry, greatly increasing the
amount and variety of weaponry it can
carry at the expense of stealth. The F-35A's most impressive features however
are its state-of-the-art sensor systems, radar and data link capabilities.
The F-35A's Electro Optical Targeting System (EOTS) allows for long
range detection and precision targeting
while its sophisticated Distributed Aperture System (DAS) improves missile and
aircraft warning as well as pilot day, night vision. The lightning 2 is also equipped with an Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) an APG-81 multi-function radar and
a highly advanced Information and Electronic Warfare System (IEWS).
The F-35 is able to share data collected
by its sensors with other aircraft and
allied forces at sea and on the ground
serving as a force multiplier and
increasing the awareness and combat
capabilities of friendly military forces.
