Jumping into Action

Fresh off the assembly line, the leapfrogging, stealthy F-35B fighter jet prepares for liftoff

By Eric Adams Posted 04.16.2008 at 8:16 am 8 Comments

DEC. 2007 : The F-35B at Lockheed’s assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas Tom Harvey/Lockheed Martin

Last April, we dissected the world’s most advanced fighter jet, the F-35B Lightning II, in the pages of our annual “How It Works” issue. Now military contractor Lockheed Martin is firing up the jet’s 40,000-pound-thrust engine (the most powerful ever built for a fighter jet) in preparation for flight tests. The jet can soar at supersonic speeds (1,000 mph) and deflect radar signals, but by the end of the month, pilots are expected to show off its most highly anticipated feature: the ability to stop mid-flight and touch down virtually anywhere.

The F-35B is a “jump jet” variant of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), a futuristic fighter aircraft commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense. Its ability to land vertically and make short takeoffs will allow the Marines to attack targets from much smaller ships and establish bases without the need for long runways. Barring any disasters during flight tests, the $300-billion JSF program should put F-35Bs in service by 2012, when they will begin replacing the Marines’ aging fleet of F/A-18 Hornets and Harrier II fighter jets at bases around the world.

What Makes it Fly: Kevin Hand

F-35B: What Makes it Fly

Lift Fan
Whereas conventional jet fighters need up to 3,000 feet of runway to take off, the F-35B pilot simply pushes the throttle forward and is airborne in less than 500 feet. A computer controls the lift fan, which pushes cold air down, causing the jet to float up. The air also prevents hot exhaust from entering the lift fan and stalling the engine. As the F-35B approaches 288 mph, the wings produce enough lift to let the fan disengage.

Engine
Behind the jet’s supersonic speed is the Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan. During liftoff, the rear exhaust nozzle rotates to direct the engine’s thrust downward, while a drive shaft in front of the engine turns the lift fan.

Roll Nozzles
On the underside of each wing, two computer-controlled roll nozzles channel a small amount of thrust from the engine to stabilize the airplane and keep it from rolling out of control.

Stealth
A precisely shaped body deflects enemy radar signals away from the aircraft instead of back toward the source. An internal weapons bay further minimizes the jet’s radar “signature.”

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8 Comments

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ja31i11

04/16/08 at 11:04 am

It's apparent we can't fight any war and pay for it while funding the military budget. We haven't the will nor the desire for a war tax.

With the advent of this new fighter that can't be seen until it's too late in dogfighting according to our pilots, we have the opportunity to scrap a lot of old jets and production of them unless they're for other Nations.

I think the military industrial complex should produce more productions like the new jet that can replace more than one program. This should be a goal for every future military program. Starting one weapons program that can replace many. I remind researchers the aircraft carrier was one such program that had doubts.

After all. We may be fighting alliens in the future. That will be a pricy war. I will conclude here.

Jay

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jamesbrett12

04/17/08 at 6:48 am

Isn't this the plane that lost to the FA22 Raptor for the main USAF contract??? The Navy playing second fiddle to the Air Force again. haha

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johnnybravo

04/17/08 at 10:34 am

it's is not the same plane that lost to the F22. both are being built by lockheed. it would be weird for them to compete against themselves. the F22 won against the YF-23 and the F-35 beat out the boeing X-32

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meatpacker

04/17/08 at 2:55 pm

We will not be fighting aliens in the future, because if the aliens have ensued peace amongst themselves then surely would they not ensue peace with other races??

I would think so.

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Jedi_Master

04/17/08 at 4:19 pm

Who said that the aliens have ensued peace among themselves?

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zcar.300

04/19/08 at 5:56 pm

Is it possible for the jet to use the roll nozzle during flight? I would think that could help with certain maneuvers.

Also I don't see humanity ever ensuing peace among our selves, so why should we expect an alien race to? Unless their hive minded or something.

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Airforce1969

05/06/08 at 2:20 pm

The F35 is following the Air Force policy of having a high end fighter and a relatively low cost fighter. Today's mix is the F15 (premium) and F16 (cheaper).

The F22 beat out the F23 not the F35.

The F35 will replace the Air Force F16 and A10, the Navy F18C and the Marines F18 and AV8 Harrier. They will also be purchased by our allies. Our main partner is England but others have expressed interest.

The F35 has higher up front cost but will be much cheaper to operate long term.

We will not have the technology to confront Aliens anytime soon.

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2sw2r

09/15/09 at 1:48 am

why should we expect an alien race to? Unless their hive minded or something.
http://www.2sw2r.com/vb