F-35 Lightning II – The Conqueror of the World

The F-35 Lightning II is a stealthy, supersonic, multirole fighter designed to meet the requirements of the United States and allied defense forces worldwide for an affordable next generation fighter. It will replace a wide range of aging fighter and strike aircraft currently in the inventories of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied defense forces.

Northrop Grumman is a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led industry team, which is developing and producing three variants. The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B is the short takeoff-vertical landing (STOVL) variant, and the F-35C is the carrier variant (CV).

The program’s hallmarks – affordability, survivability, sustainability and lethality – are achieved through the use of the most modern military aircraft technologies, state-of-the-art production facilities, and a high degree of commonality among the three variants. The team is using advanced manufacturing techniques to enable a unique, high-rate production program.

*On 8 January 2015, the Royal Air Force base RAF Lakenheath in the UK was chosen as the first U.S. Air Force base in Europe to station two F-35 squadrons, following an announcement by the Pentagon. 48 F-35s, making up 2 squadrons, will add to the 48th Fighter Wing’s already existing F-15C and F-15E Strike Eagle jets.

*In May 2013, Lockheed Martin declared that Turkey is projected to earn $12 billion from licensed production of F-35 components.

*In November 2014, the United Kingdom confirmed its first order for 14 F-35Bs to be delivered in 2016.

Currently this aircraft continues in the process of upgrades and will become the most powerful aircraft in the world (2017).