Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighter PhotosThe Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) will be the mass production of 5th generation aircraft of the 21st century. At October 26, 2001 there was an ongoing competition between Lockheed Martin (designer of aircraft to the left, the X-35) and Boeing (designer of aircraft to the right, the X-32). The winner of this contest will result in the replacement of the F-16. Unlike the F-22 JSF aircraft will be a relatively low cost. U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy and U.S. Marine Corps will use the JSF.
In general, the fuselage will be the same, with some exceptions, the U.S. version Air Force conventional takeoff will be a multi-role fighter. The version of the U.S. Navy the JSF will be similar to Air Force version except with a stronger internal structure, landing gear and the hook of detention to allow carrier landings. U.S. Marines and Royal Navy version (X-35B) will be capable of short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL), allowing this version of the JSF to land almost anywhere. The JSF will use many of the advanced technologies used in the F-22 fighter still remains a low cost 5th generation. Is scheduled to enter service around 2012.
