|
|
|
|
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, which saw its production-model debut in July, is the most ambitious defense project ever—the first stealth airplane designed for mass production and the first to be cleared for export to U.S. allies. The major challenge was developing new flight, stealth, attack and defense systems for three separate versions: an Air Force fighter, a Navy airplane that will fly from aircraft carriers, and a variant for the Marines that can land vertically and take off in 550 feet of road. Flight tests of the heavily armed supersonic fighter will begin immediately. It’s expected to enter service in 2012. $45–60 million; jsf.mil
|
|
