Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth fighter that has been developed to replace 3rd and 4th generation combat aircraft such as the A-10, F-16, Harrier, Jaguar, and Hornet in NATO and allied nation service. The F-35 was developed from the X-35 which won the Joint Strike Fighter competition against the Boeing X-32. The F-35 has been produced in three different base variants, a standard land-based fighter version (F-35A), a Short Take Off and Vertical Land version (F-35B), and a carrier-based catapult and arrestor hook version (F-35C) all utilising a common internal configuration and software setup. The F-35 is capable of carrying weapons both on external wing pylons but also in an internal weapons bay increasing its stealth capabilities. The aircraft is also fitted with an advanced 360-degree optical system that can identify missiles or stealth aircraft approaching that would otherwise go undetected, the feed can also be sent to the pilot's advanced helmet so when they look down, they see the ground and not the cockpit floor.

As the only Level One partner in the multi-national team that developed the F-35, the UK enjoyed better access to the technology being used in the aircraft and were able to influence the final capabilities of the aircraft to suit its needs, especially from a weapons perspective. As a result, the F-35 is being cleared to carry UK-specific weapons such as the ASRAAM and Meteor air-to-air missiles. The UK was due to order a fleet of 138 F-35Bs which were to be split between the RAF and the Royal Navy however it is more than likely the final order will stand around 74. To date, the UK has ordered 48 aircraft. The F-35B is currently flown by 17Sqn at Edwards AFB in California and by 617Sqn (the Dambusters), 207Sqn and 809 Naval Air Squadron at RAF Marham in Norfolk.

The RAF will be providing their F-35B for static display at this summer’s event.

Photo Credit: Rich Cooper