F-35 Lightning II: Next Generation Fighter (Part 2)

The F-35 Lightning II will come in three different variants, each with a specific purpose. The F-35A will be the version used by the US Air Force (USAF) to replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon and - by 2028 the A-10 Thunderbolt. is the F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) fighter, and will be the lightest variant. It will also be the only F-35 with an internally- mounted cannon, thus bolstering its stealth capabilities. Already, foreign customers are lining up. Israel plans to buy over 100 F-35As to replace its fleet of F-16s at an estimated cost of over $5 billion.

The F-35B is the variant that will be used by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to replace the Harrier Jump Jet and the F/A 18 Hornet. The F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft, meaning that it has hovering capabilities. To accomplish this, the F-35B uses vertical-thrust vectoring on the main engine in the rear, and a lift fan near the front of aircraft. While using this vertical-lift system, roll stability is maintained by channeling pressurized air from the center-lift fan through the wings to the wingtips and ejected out thrust nozzles called Roll Posts.

For the U.S. Navy (USN), the F-35C is the carrier variant of the aircraft. This plane has larger control surfaces for added control during slow flight. The landing gear on the F-35 C is more durable due to the added stress of carrier landings. Also, the wings can fold up in order to save space on the carrier deck.

The B and C variants will be available starting in 2012, and the A variant in 2013.

Editor's Note: Click here for Part 1 of this two-part series.