F-35

Why was the F-35 created?

During the 1990s, there was a need for a new fighter, and, several programs for new aircraft were cancelled such as the Advanced Tactical Aircraft program, Naval Advanced Tactical Fighter program and several others. So, the new requirement for this new jet was to replace several aircraft in the military. Including, the A-10, F-16, F-18, F-117 and the Harrier. The plan was to have an aircraft that can do everything using only one plane rather than having several planes for different purposes. It had to be perfect and it had high expectations, it needed to be as stealthy as the F-117, the VTOL of the Harrier, the power of the A-10, the affordability of the F-16 and the carrier use of the F-18.

A Technical Analysis

Specs

Top Speed Mach 1.6
Operating cost $33,600 per hour
Range 935km
In air refuelling Yes
Runway Length VTOL
Gun 25mm GAU-22/A four-barrel Gatling gun
Ammunition Capacity 220 rounds
Ceiling 50,000 feet (15,000m)
Weapon Payload 6800kg
RCS 0.0015 sqm
Unit Cost $115 million
Outer Fuel Tanks No
Internal Fuel 6,123 kg

So, how was the aircraft?

Well, it mostly did everything it promised but as a result of so many requirements, it did most of them mediocraly. However, just being a more modern, advanced aircraft allowed it to excel in most situations and even surpass expectations in some combat scenarios. In the press, it has been reported as a failure due to its overrun costs, massive technical bugs and high costs per hour. Originally being contracted to be built as a lightweight, cheap fighter aircraft, it’s clear why there is so much negative press.

What can it do that others can’t?

Well, it really depends… It has a lot of interesting technology, in particular, the helmet with AR that lets pilots see through the plane. The main thing it can do is use its stealth technology to help with various missions it is tasked with which effectively makes it superior in almost every mission as it flies undetected. Also as mentioned previously, it can fulfil various roles.

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