Performance and Capabilities
- Speed: Maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (about 1,200 mph or 1,930 km/h).
- Range: Varies by variant, generally around 1,200 nautical miles (2,200 km).
- Combat Radius: Approximately 590 nautical miles (1,093 km) for the F-35A.
- Weapons Capacity: Can carry a combination of air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and a cannon, with a total payload capacity of up to 18,000 pounds (8,165 kg).
- Avionics: Highly advanced avionics with sensor fusion, data sharing, and electronic warfare capabilities, making the F-35 a force multiplier in joint operations.
Production and Deployment
- Development: The JSF program was initiated in the 1990s, with the F-35’s first flight in 2006.
- Production: Lockheed Martin is the primary contractor, with Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and Pratt & Whitney as major partners. The F-35 is produced in the United States, with additional assembly lines in Italy and Japan.
- Global Partners: The F-35 is used by several NATO and allied nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Japan, and Israel, among others.
- Deployment: The F-35 is deployed in various roles across the globe, from air superiority missions to close air support and intelligence gathering.
