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F-35A Lightning II Fighter Jet

F-35A Lightning II Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 5th
Maximum Speed Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph)
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range 150+ miles

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	F-35A Lightning II
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Stealth Multirole Fighter
Generation	5th Generation
Status	In Service
First Flight	December 15, 2006
Introduction / In Service Since	2016
Number Built	1,200+ (all variants)
Operators	USAF, UK, Italy, Japan, Australia, Israel, and others

Dimensions & Structure

Length	51.4 ft (15.67 m)
Wingspan	35 ft (10.7 m)
Height	14.4 ft (4.38 m)
Wing Area	460 sq ft (42.7 m²)
Empty Weight	29,300 lb (13,290 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	0,000 lb (31,800 kg)
Internal Weapons Bay	2 bays (4 hardpoints)
External Hardpoints	6

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.6
Range	1,380 miles (2,220 km)
Combat Radius	670 nmi (1,240 km)
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Rate of Climb	45,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	1.07
G Limits	+9

Powerplant

Engine Type	Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	43,000 lbf (191 kN) with afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	18,498 lb (8,382 kg) internal

Armament

Gun	GAU-22/A 25mm cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-158 JASSM
Bombs	JDAM, Paveway II/III, SDB
Hardpoints	10 (4 internal, 6 external)
Payload Capacity	18,000 lb (8,160 kg)

Avionics & Systems

Radar	AN/APG-81 AESA
Radar Range	150+ miles
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	AN/ASQ-239 Barracuda
Targeting System	EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System)
Helmet Display	Gen III HMDS
Navigation	GPS/INS with Terrain Following
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Autonomous mission management
Communication	Multifunction Advanced Datalink (MADL), Link 16

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~0.001 m²
Stealth Features	RAM coatings, internal weapons, edge alignment
Infrared Signature Reduction	Yes
Sensor Fusion	Full 360° situational integration
Networking Capabilities	C4ISR-enabled with allied interoperability

Variants

Special Export Versions

F-35I (Israel), F-35A (Japan), F-35A (Finland)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Syria, Middle East operations
Notable Operators	USAF, RAF, RAAF, IAF
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, ISR, SEAD

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$82.5 million (Lot 18)
Development Cost	Over $400 billion (program total)
Program Name	Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
Funding Countries	USA, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, others

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Block 4 software/hardware upgrade
Future Replacement	None (expected to serve beyond 2070)
Export Restrictions	Limited to U.S. allies
Notable Achievements	Widest deployed 5th-gen jet
Competitors	Su-57, J-20, FC-31

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Superior stealth and sensor fusion technology
Advanced electronic warfare and networking capabilities
High mission flexibility (air-to-air, strike, ISR)
Proven interoperability with U.S. and NATO allies
Continuous modernization via Block 4 upgrade

CONS

High operational and maintenance costs
Limited internal weapon payload when in stealth mode
Software integration challenges in early variants
Dependent on centralized logistics (ALIS/ODIN systems)
Slower top speed compared to older air superiority fighters

F-35A Lightning II — America’s Stealth Multirole Fighter

Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35A Lightning II represents the cornerstone of U.S. airpower for the 21st century. Designed as a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter, it merges advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities to dominate both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Built under the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, the F-35A serves primarily with the U.S. Air Force and allied nations, offering conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) operations. Its design emphasizes survivability, versatility, and interoperability within joint and coalition forces.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan engine, the F-35A achieves speeds up to Mach 1.6 and boasts a combat radius exceeding 670 nautical miles. Its internal weapon bays preserve radar stealth, while external pylons can carry additional ordnance when stealth is less critical.

Equipped with the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), the F-35A grants pilots a 360-degree awareness unmatched by legacy fighters. The Helmet-Mounted Display System (HMDS) integrates sensor data directly into the pilot’s view, revolutionizing situational awareness and targeting precision.

The F-35A continues to evolve through Block 4 upgrades, integrating enhanced computing power, advanced electronic warfare tools, and expanded weapons compatibility. With over a dozen nations operating or ordering it, the Lightning II solidifies its status as the most globally deployed fifth-generation fighter in service today.

F-35A Lightning II Price in US

The F-35A Lightning II currently costs around $82.5 million per unit (FY2025). Costs vary by configuration, nation-specific systems, and sustainment packages under the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) contracts.

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