Airforce1969
- Technology
Jumping into Action
Last April, we dissected the worlds 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 jets 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.
5.6.2008 at 02:20pm - Comment by Airforce1969The 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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December 2009: Best of What's New
In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.
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