The Lockheed Martin F-35b

by Anne Rivera

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a stealth fighter designed as a multi-role military aircraft. It presumes roles of close air support, tactical bombing, and air superiority. It has been designed to have three variants - conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL), short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL), and a carrier variant. As a product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, its development is mostly funded by the US and the UK, while other allied governments provide additional funds. It is being designed by Lockheed Martin and had its first flight in late 2006. It is set to be formally introduced by 2011.

One of its variants, the F-35b, has generated significant buzz as it is being compared to the famed Harrier. The F-35b is designed to have the same capability as that of the Harrier, which is the short takeoff and vertical landing. Just like the Harrier, guns will be installed in a ventral pod. As it is the riskiest by far, vertical flight has always been a concept that has drawn attention to such aircrafts.

The Harrier Jump Jet was famous for being the first to achieve vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL), which was an innovation at the time. This meant that long runways were unnecessary to fly it properly. Its different variations have proven to be valuable in combat and have served in the Falklands War and Afghanistan, amongst others. It is used by several different countries, including America, the United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, India, Italy, and many others.

The F-35b is intended to replace the later versions of the Harrier, which is currently used by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom as their primary ground attack fighter. The F-35b is said to be more efficient in both design and application. With international support, it is said to be one of the most significant developments of military aircraft technology in recent years.

The Harrier was a revolution in the history of flight, but it did have its repercussions. It was quite difficult to fly, as pilots trained to fly Harriers have said that it is the most difficult plane to fly and control. Its hover time can never compare to that of helicopters as it is limited and can be weakened when put under certain conditions. This has led to numerous pilot deaths more due to mechanical failures than getting shot down in combat. Also, maintenance was also quite expensive due to its complicated system. The F-35b is being developed to perform the same tasks that the Harrier better without all the hassles and difficulties presented by the jump jet.

With internation support and financial backing, a lot of countries are expecting to utilize the results of the JSF program for their own air forces. While the United States is the primary benefactor and customer, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Norway and Denmark have contributed US$4.375 billion for development costs. While most of these countries are looking to acquire the fighter planes, the UK specifically has particular interest in acquiring Lockheed Martin F-35b's to replace their Harrier Jump Jets, which are still in service up to this day.