Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II
The Lockheed Martin F‑35B Lightning II is the short‑takeoff/vertical‑landing (STOVL) variant of the Joint Strike Fighter program, conceived in the early 2000s to replace aging aircraft such as the AV‑8B Harrier and A‑10 in U.S. and allied services. Development began in 2001, with the first flight of the X‑35B prototype in 2001 and the inaugural F‑35B test flight in 2008. Full‑rate production started in 2014, and the type entered operational service with the U.S. Marine Corps in 2015, followed by the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and several international partners.
Key features include a thrust‑vectoring nozzle that diverts engine power for vertical lift, a Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan delivering 43,000 lbf of thrust, and an advanced sensor suite that fuses radar, infrared and electronic warfare data into a single pilot display. The aircraft’s stealth airframe, fused‑core avionics and ability to carry air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground and reconnaissance payloads make it one of the most versatile combat platforms ever built.
The F‑35B’s combination of STOVL capability, low observability and network‑centric warfare has reshaped modern air power, giving expeditionary forces the ability to project fighter‑grade capability from amphibious ships and austere forward bases, thus influencing future aircraft design and joint operational concepts.
Key features include a thrust‑vectoring nozzle that diverts engine power for vertical lift, a Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan delivering 43,000 lbf of thrust, and an advanced sensor suite that fuses radar, infrared and electronic warfare data into a single pilot display. The aircraft’s stealth airframe, fused‑core avionics and ability to carry air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground and reconnaissance payloads make it one of the most versatile combat platforms ever built.
The F‑35B’s combination of STOVL capability, low observability and network‑centric warfare has reshaped modern air power, giving expeditionary forces the ability to project fighter‑grade capability from amphibious ships and austere forward bases, thus influencing future aircraft design and joint operational concepts.
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Classification
Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed Martin
- Nickname
- Lightning II
- Military Designation
- FV-35B, F-35B
- Operator
-
United States
- Wikidata ID
- Q17519101