Overview
The F-35 is the largest fighter programme in history, built in three versions: the conventional F-35A, the short take-off and vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C.
Its strength lies less in speed than in stealth and sensor fusion, which combines radar, infrared and electronic data into one picture for the pilot.
Specifications
Dimensions
| Length | 15.70 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 10.70 m |
| Height | 4.40 m |
| Wing area | 42.7 m² |
Weights & fuel
| Empty weight | 13,290 kg |
|---|---|
| Max. take-off weight | 31,800 kg |
Performance
| Max. speed | 1,930 km/h |
|---|---|
| Max. Mach | Mach 1.60 |
| Range | 2,200 km |
| Combat radius | 1,239 km |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m |
Crew & capacity
| Crew | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hardpoints | 10 |
Powerplant
| Engines | 1 |
|---|---|
| Engine model | Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 |
| Thrust (each) | 128.0 kN |
| Thrust with afterburner (each) | 191.0 kN |
Figures are compiled from public sources and may be approximate; they can vary by variant and configuration.
Armament
- 25 mm GAU-22/A cannon (F-35A)
- Internal bays for air-to-air missiles and guided bombs
- Additional external pylons when stealth is not required
Did you know?
Pilots wear a helmet-mounted display that lets them "see through" the aircraft using cameras on the airframe.
Photos
Photo 1: U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Some text and images come from Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA licences.
