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F-35A: incoming…
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The F-35 Lightning II is a major multinational program which is intended to produce an “affordably stealthy” multi-role strike fighter that will have three variants: the F-35A conventional version for the US Air Force et. al.; the F-35B Short Take-Off, Vertical Landing for the US Marines, British Royal Navy, et. al.; and the F-35C conventional carrier-launched version for the US Navy. The aircraft is named after Lockheed’s famous WW2 P-38 Lightning, and the Mach 2, stacked-engine English Electric (now BAE) Lightning jet. System development partners included The USA & Britain (Tier 1), Italy and the Netherlands (Tier 2), and Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Turkey (Tier 3), with Singapore and Israel as “Security Cooperation Partners.” Now the challenge is agreeing on production phase membership and arrangements, to be followed by initial purchase commitments around 2008-2009.

This updated article has expanded to feature more detail regarding the $300 billion F-35 program, including other contracts as well as notable events. New material is highlighted by putting it in green type. Recent news include an investigation by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram into JET’s conclusions regarding program delays, Lockheed Martin’s response, and a Rolls Royce contract for production LiftSystem engine modules…

• The F-35 Family of Aircraft (i.e. “Continue reading…”)
• F-35 Program: Production Timelines & Structure
• F-35 Program: Controversies and Competitions
• F-35 Program: Events & Developments, CY 2009-2010 [updated]
• F-35 Program: System Development & Production Contracts, FY 2009-2010 [updated]
• F-35 Program: Ancillary and Sub-contracts, FY 2009 – 2010 [updated]
• Additional Readings & Sources [updated]

Get instant access to the whole F-35 story, at $300 billion the largest weapons program ever, when you subscribe to DII. Our cross-linked article network and reference materials include:

• Numerous photos and graphic cutaways; also tens of other photos of related systems and programs
• The F-35A-C family of fighter variants, and some comparison to other fighters
• Advanced systems and accessories, such as the Helmet (HMDS), the APG-81 AESA radar and more
• Contributing contractors
• Collaborating countries, who is involved, and how
• Production timelines
• Performance and capability controversies
• GAO assessments of likely actual costs
• Links to press releases, articles and statements from the source: Lockheed Martin, BAE, US DOD, US GAO, and others

Subscribe now to the Defense Industry Insider and stay on top of news and developments with this story and others. DII covers more than 200 defense procurement programs, thousands of links, expert analysis and industry news.

 

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