Next up on the fighter list…
F-35 Lightning
- Known as Panther or Puma to pilots and is 5th Gen
- These are prevalent in the USAF/Navy/Marines and will one day replace all F-16
- F-35A is the USAF variant
- F-35B is the Marine VTOL variant
- F-35C is the Navy & Marine variant for carrier use
- There are no 2seat F-35
- “TR” is similar to the “Block” system of the F-16 but is more so software driven.
- Each variant above has different capabilities based on the physical aircraft as well so it is good info to know
- The jets are capable of Air-to-Air(A-A) and Air-to-Ground(A-G) with multiple different missions including SEAD. Do your research!
- 4th Gen aircraft are incorporated with the F-35 using what’s called FI or Force Integration.
- F-35 carries weapons in internal weapons bays but have hard points for external carriage.
- Pratt & Whitney are the primary engine manufacturer but GE is in the process of testing
- AESA radar, has an internal “targeting pod”, is considered a stealth fighter
As before there is so much more on the F-35 so do some reading! BogiDope coaches or Panther pilots pile on with any other basic in, cheers!
STK!
-CAGE