F-35 History

It flew for the first time in 1999 and it will be deployed in 2008. It is a multi-role fighter optimized for air-to-ground role. It has many commonalities with F-22. The Lockheed X-35 was chosen over Boeing X-32 because of Lockheed’s lift-fan STOVL design. It has a multifunction radar and electro-optical targeting system. It also includes a helmet mounted display. Four versions are currently developed which will serve US Air Force, Navy, Marines and Royal Navy. The weapons are stored in two parallel bays located aft of the main landing gear.

© Captain Karan