[The Epoch Times, August 25, 2024](Comprehensive report by Epoch Times reporter Xia Yu) As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, the Pentagon confirmed on August 22 that the aircraft carrier “Abraham Lincoln” has arrived in the Middle East region. This aircraft carrier is equipped with F-35C fighter jets, illustrating the United States’ commitment to enhancing air power deterrence in the area.
With the USS George Washington aircraft carrier preparing for deployment in Japan, the Navy announced on July 15 that an F-35 fighter squadron will be sent to Iwakuni Air Base in Japan to join the 5th Carrier Air Wing. Defense analysts noted that the deployment of F-35C stealth fighters to Japan-based aircraft carriers represents a significant advancement in the U.S. military’s capabilities in the Asia-Pacific, highlighting the Navy’s use of fifth-generation aircraft to counter the stealth fighters of the Chinese Communist Party.
The F-35 Stealth Joint Strike Fighter is a fifth-generation aircraft produced in the United States. Currently, it is in service with 20 countries and has amassed over 773,000 flight hours. Renowned for its stealth capabilities, versatility, range, speed, as well as advanced electronic warfare and avionics, the F-35 plays a crucial role in maintaining air superiority and is recognized as an unstoppable fighter.
The fighter is available in various variants for the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy, each adapted for specific roles. This adaptability ensures its relevance amid evolving technologies, solidifying the aircraft’s status as a formidable air platform.
The F-35C is a carrier-compatible version of the F-35, equipped with multiple capabilities including air superiority, close air support, and electronic warfare. It features larger wings and control surfaces, reinforced landing gear, increased range, and folding wingtips, all of which are tailored for carrier operations.
In summary, the F-35 fighter possesses five key attributes that make it a dominant fifth-generation fighter jet, contributing alongside the F-22 Raptor to the U.S. Air Force’s ability to maintain air superiority. The fighter jet, built by Lockheed Martin, is designed as a multi-role stealth platform specifically for executing large-scale air strikes against both air-to-air and air-to-surface targets.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), equipped with F-35C and F/A-18 Block III fighters, entered the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility.
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, is accompanied by Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 and… pic.twitter.com/RKoJQshigR
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) August 21, 2024
Stealth Technology
Both China and Russia are advancing their air defense and radar technologies, making “stealth” a vital feature for any modern American fighter jet. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and Eastern Europe, the F-35’s survivability in contested airspace becomes crucial.
The “invisibility cloak” of the F-35 fighter jet is known as “low-observable technology” (or “stealth technology”), which is applied by well-trained Air Force personnel. Designed with stealth in mind from its inception, the F-35 possesses an exceptional ability to avoid enemy detection and access contested airspace. Features such as aligned edges, reduced engine noise, internal weapon and fuel storage, and integrated sensors all contribute to its unique stealth capabilities.
The technology for the F-35’s stealth paint application is also advanced, employing laser spraying technology to bond a finished polymer film onto its surface. (Further reading:Incredible? Hand-painted technology realizes F-35 high-tech stealth)
On June 12, 2018, a U.S. Air Force F-35A fighter jet launched an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile against a QF-16 unmanned target drone over the Gulf of Mexico. (Michael Jackson/US Air Force)
Versatility
Versatility stands out as one of the F-35 fighter’s most impressive qualities. Unlike the F-22 Raptor, which is exclusive to the Air Force, the F-35 is designed as a family of fighter jets. The Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force each have modified Lightning II variants tailored to their specific defense needs.
The F-35A is dubbed the “runway queen” of the series, operating similarly to traditional fighter jets. This cost-effective model requires approximately 8,000 feet of standard runway for normal takeoff and landing. The F-35B, used by the Marine Corps, is the most mechanically complex model of the three, as it possesses short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities.
The Navy’s F-35C variant is designed for carrier operations and features reinforced landing gear and a tailhook.
Additionally, the Israeli version of the F-35I can be modified to incorporate various Israeli technologies, adapting to actual combat requirements.
In “stealth” mode, the “Lightning II” can carry four AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for air-to-air missions, or a combination of four AIM-120/GBU-31 JDAM smart bombs for air-to-ground missions.
The F-35 can also enter “beast mode,” carrying up to 14 AIM-120 missiles for ground combat, along with 2 AIM-9x missiles for air-to-air missions, or a combination of 4 Aim-120/9X missiles and 6 GBU-31 missiles. (Further reading:The F-35 fighter jet can transform into a “beast” with three times the firepower to daunt opponents)
Three F-35 variants fly in formation, from top to bottom: F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C. The F-35B features fans for vertical takeoff and landing, and a shorter cockpit glass. The F-35C has larger, foldable wings compared to the F-35A, and though the landing gear is not visible, it is designed for carrier operations. (Wikipedia Public Domain)
Range/Speed
The F-35 is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburning turbofan engine, producing 28,000 pounds of dry thrust and 43,000 pounds of afterburning thrust. This engine gives each fighter a range of 1,200 nautical miles and allows speeds exceeding Mach 1.6 (a multiple of the speed of sound).
There are two design variants of the F135-PW-100 engine: the CTOL version (conventional take-off and landing) for the F-35A and F-35B, and the two-stroke STOVL version used by the F-35B.
According to Airforce-Technology.com, the F135 engine includes a jump jet variant capable of providing 18,000 pounds of thrust at the rear, 20,000 pounds through the lift fan, and 3,900 pounds through two rollers to assist the F-35B in vertical takeoff and landing.
On June 17, 2021, in the Pacific Ocean, an F-35C “Lightning II” stealth fighter was landing on the flight deck of the “Carl Vinson” aircraft carrier (CVN 70). (U.S. Navy)
Electronic Warfare and Avionics
Distinct from earlier models, the F-35 features a large touchscreen and helmet display system that allows pilots to “penetrate” the aircraft to view real-time information surrounding them.
The Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and array of infrared cameras grant pilots this capability, providing a significant advantage. The F-35 is also equipped with AN/APG-81 System Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, offering formidable electronic countermeasure capabilities.
In January, the Pentagon awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth nearly $100 million to integrate the AGM-88G High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) onto all three F-35 variants. This powerful anti-radar missile is capable of neutralizing enemy radar and air defense systems.
As electronic warfare increasingly plays a crucial role in modern combat, this integration will become an essential asset.
On February 13, 2023, the USS Makin Island amphibious assault ship readiness group and the Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group conducted a joint exercise in the South China Sea. An F-35B fighter jet took off from the deck of the USS Makin Island LHD 8. (U.S. Navy)
Adaptability
The F-35’s ability to provide data transmission services to all Joint Strike Fighters, including those operated by foreign militaries, is unique and cost-effective. The F-35 is currently the most technologically advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Due to secure data link transmission, any technological improvements or data sharing can be incorporated into the F-35 platform in subsequent years. This capability is vital for maintaining the F-35’s advantage over time.
Overall, the F-35 enjoys a strong global reputation. In February of this year, the 1,000th F-35 fighter jet was completed and will be delivered to various customers. The aircraft’s stealth, speed, payload capacity, avionics, and electronics suite truly render it an unparalleled combat platform. (Further reading:The 1,000th F-35 fighter jet is delivered and deployed globally, marking a significant milestone)
Given the shifts in the global landscape, F-35 production is expected to continue increasing, with more countries likely to adopt the F-35 in the future. Japan is currently the largest customer, while several European countries are also major buyers. Numerous nations are preparing to transition to F-35 fighters. The U.S. military aims to have a total of 2,456 F-35s in service by 2044. Initially, Lockheed Martin projected that more than 5,000 aircraft would ultimately be sold during the F-35 production program.
(This article references the report from “National Interest”)
Editor in charge: Li Lin#
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The F-35 Fighter Jet: A Comprehensive Overview of its Capabilities and Importance
[The Epoch Times, August 25, 2024](Comprehensive report by Epoch Times reporter Xia Yu) As tensions between Iran and Israel intensify, the Pentagon confirmed on August 22 that the aircraft carrier “Abraham Lincoln” has arrived in the Middle East sea area. The aircraft carrier is equipped with F-35C fighter jets, demonstrating the United States’ efforts to strengthen air power deterrence in the region.
As the USS George Washington aircraft carrier is about to be stationed in Japan, on July 15, the Navy stated that it will dispatch an F-35 fighter squadron to Iwakuni Air Base in Japan to join the 5th Carrier Air Wing. Defense analysts said that the deployment of F-35C stealth fighters to Japan-based aircraft carriers is a major upgrade of the U.S. military’s military capabilities in the Asia-Pacific, showing that the Navy uses fifth-generation aircraft to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s stealth fighters.
Key Features and Specifications of the F-35 Fighter Jet
The F-35 Stealth Joint Strike Fighter is a fifth-generation aircraft manufactured in the United States. It is currently in service in 20 countries and has accumulated more than 773,000 flight hours. Known for its stealth capabilities, versatility, range, speed, and advanced electronic warfare and avionics, the F-35 is critical to maintaining air superiority and is known as an unstoppable fighter.
The fighter is available in different variants for the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy, each tailored for a specific role. The aircraft’s adaptability ensures it remains relevant amid evolving technologies, cementing its position as a formidable air platform.
F-35C: The Carrier-Compatible Variant
The F-35C is a carrier-compatible version of the F-35 designed for naval operations. It boasts several unique features:
- Larger wings and control surfaces for enhanced lift and stability.
- Reinforced landing gear to withstand carrier landings.
- Extended range for long-distance missions.
- Folding wingtips for efficient storage on aircraft carriers.
Stealth Technology
Both China and Russia are developing advanced air defense and radar technologies, and having “stealth” is essential for any modern American fighter jet. As geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and Eastern Europe continue to rise, the F-35’s survivability in contested airspace is critical.
The “invisibility cloak” of the F-35 is termed “low-observable technology,” which enables it to evade enemy detection. Key features contributing to its stealth capabilities include:
- Aligned Edges: The F-35’s design minimizes radar cross-section.
- Reduced Engine Noise: Engine placement and design reduce sound emissions.
- Internal Carrying: Weapons and fuel stored internally avoid radar detection.
- Embedded Sensors: Advanced sensors enhance situational awareness without compromising stealth.
Versatility and Variants
Versatility is one of the F-35’s standout qualities. Unlike the F-22 Raptor, which is exclusive to the U.S. Air Force, the F-35 serves multiple branches of the military. Key variants include:
- F-35A: The Air Force variant, known for requiring a conventional runway.
- F-35B: The Marine Corps variant, equipped for short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL).
- F-35C: Optimized for carrier operations with modifications for naval use.
In combat, the F-35 can engage in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, showcasing its adaptability in various roles. The F-35 can also enter “beast mode,” significantly increasing its weapon payload.
Performance Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 43,000 lbs (afterburning) |
| Max Speed | Mach 1.6 |
| Operational Range | 1,200 nautical miles |
Electronic Warfare and Avionics
One of the F-35’s significant advancements is its integration of electronic warfare capabilities. Unlike previous models, it features:
- Distributed Aperture System (DAS): A network of infrared sensors for comprehensive situational awareness.
- Helmet-Mounted Display System: Directly transmits critical information to pilots.
- AN/APG-81 AESA Radar: Offers advanced electronic countermeasures capabilities.
In a move underscoring its electronic warfare prowess, the Pentagon recently awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to integrate the AGM-88G High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) to enhance the F-35’s mission success against enemy radar and air defense systems.
Global Impact and Future Developments
The F-35 enjoys a high global reputation and is pivotal in reshaping military air power. February 2024 marked an important milestone with the completion of the 1,000th F-35 fighter jet. Its stealth, speed, weapon capacity, avionics, and capabilities ensure its place as the leading fighter in modern air combat.
- Countries utilizing the F-35 are expected to increase considerably, with Japan being the largest customer.
- The U.S. military plans to have a total of 2,456 F-35s in service by 2044, with total production projections exceeding 5,000 units.
The adaptability of the F-35 allows for seamless integration of new technologies and improvements, ensuring it remains relevant against emerging threats.
Practical Tips for Understanding the F-35
- Stay updated with defense news to understand F-35 operations and deployments globally.
- Explore simulations or documentaries for visual understanding of the aircraft’s capabilities.
- Engage with aviation forums to discuss the implications of F-35 technology on global defense dynamics.
Editor in charge: Li Lin
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