Of course, some context is required.
That latter fact is also one that has some penny-pinchers in Washington concerned, however.
So, for every hour spent in the sky, the costs are equal to a brand-new car!
The F-35 is an extremely capable aircraft, but it has been bogged down with controversy. What’s the truth about the plane’s capabilities? Image:Darin Russell/U.S.A.F.
Here again, context is needed.
The F-35 isnt exactly a bargain, but it is far from the most expensive aircraft to operate.
More Bang for the Buck?
An F-35C making an arrested landing on the USS George Washington. Image:Lockheed Martin/U.S.N.
The F-35 by comparison can do it all it, and cheaper than the Raptor.
Boeing devised its X-32, while Lockheed Martin offered the X-35.
In the end, the latter option won out in October 2001.
An F-35C Lightning II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Image: M.C.3 TimothyM. Ahearn/U.S.N.
Later that same year, the F-35 was officially designated the Lighting II.
It is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9g-capable multi-role fighter.
This aircraft accomplished what no other plane (fighter or otherwise) had ever done.
F-35 pilots are equipped with a special flight helmet — one that costs upwards of $400,000 each. Image: Lockheed Martin
Unlike the F-35A, this variant is equipped with a patented shaft-driven Rolls-Royce LiftFan propulsion system.
It will eventually replace the F/A-18 Hornet.
Currently, the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps are the only operators of the F-35C.
Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs, assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, conduct flight training operations on Feb 14, 2018. Image: Staff Sgt.Andrew Lee/U.S.A.F.
As noted, other foreign naval services now utilize the F-35B instead.
F-35I Adir
One other variant of the F-35 isnt actually operated by the United States.
The AN/APG-81 can also be capable of stand-off jamming for other aircraft.
Maj. Jonathan “BEAST” Bearce shows off some moves with his F-35A Lightning II. Image: Lockheed Martin
The F-35 could eventually be updated to be supported by loyal wingman autonomous drones.
The internal weapons bay helps the aircraft maintain its stealth capabilities.
It can carry approximately 5,700 pounds in the weapons bay.
Marine Maj. Dylan “Bilbo” Nicholas, test pilot, hovers for a vertical landing in an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. Image:Kyra Helwick/U.S.N.
Conclusion
Yes, the F-35 is expensive.
Lets certainly hope that is the case.
Maj. Michael Lippert lands his F-35B on the HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s premier aircraft carrier. Image: Lockheed Martin
The U.S. Navy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter variant, the F-35C, conducts a test flight over the Chesapeake Bay. Image:U.S.N./Lockheed Martin
An Israeli Air Force F-35I “Adir” uses a special electronic warfare package developed domestically.
Monessa “Siren” Balzhiser, Lockheed Martin’s first F-35 female pilot, prepares for a flight at Luke Air Force Base on June 7, 2021. Image: AngelDelCueto/Lockheed Martin
The F-35 with its “beast mode” loadout for a ground strike. The plane is capable of delivering up to 22,000 pounds of ordnance. Image: Lockheed Martin
