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IcerocketJumping into Action
Fresh off the assembly line, the leapfrogging, stealthy F-35B fighter jet prepares for liftoff
Posted 04.16.2008 at 9:16 am
7 Comments
DEC. 2007 : The F-35B at Lockheed’s assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas Photo by Tom Harvey/Lockheed Martin
The F-35B is a “jump jet” variant of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), a futuristic fighter aircraft commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense. Its ability to land vertically and make short takeoffs will allow the Marines to attack targets from much smaller ships and establish bases without the need for long runways. Barring any disasters during flight tests, the $300-billion JSF program should put F-35Bs in service by 2012, when they will begin replacing the Marines’ aging fleet of F/A-18 Hornets and Harrier II fighter jets at bases around the world.
What Makes it Fly: Photo by Kevin Hand
F-35B: What Makes it Fly
Lift Fan
Whereas conventional jet fighters need up to 3,000 feet of runway to take off, the F-35B pilot simply pushes the throttle forward and is airborne in less than 500 feet. A computer controls the lift fan, which pushes cold air down, causing the jet to float up. The air also prevents hot exhaust from entering the lift fan and stalling the engine. As the F-35B approaches 288 mph, the wings produce enough lift to let the fan disengage.
Engine
Behind the jet’s supersonic speed is the Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan. During liftoff, the rear exhaust nozzle rotates to direct the engine’s thrust downward, while a drive shaft in front of the engine turns the lift fan.
Roll Nozzles
On the underside of each wing, two computer-controlled roll nozzles channel a small amount of thrust from the engine to stabilize the airplane and keep it from rolling out of control.
Stealth
A precisely shaped body deflects enemy radar signals away from the aircraft instead of back toward the source. An internal weapons bay further minimizes the jet’s radar “signature.”
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Comments
It's apparent we can't fight any war and pay for it while funding the military budget. We haven't the will nor the desire for a war tax.
With the advent of this new fighter that can't be seen until it's too late in dogfighting according to our pilots, we have the opportunity to scrap a lot of old jets and production of them unless they're for other Nations.
I think the military industrial complex should produce more productions like the new jet that can replace more than one program. This should be a goal for every future military program. Starting one weapons program that can replace many. I remind researchers the aircraft carrier was one such program that had doubts.
After all. We may be fighting alliens in the future. That will be a pricy war. I will conclude here.
Jay
4 out of 5 people found this comment helpfulIsn't this the plane that lost to the FA22 Raptor for the main USAF contract??? The Navy playing second fiddle to the Air Force again. haha
1 out of 2 people found this comment helpfulit's is not the same plane that lost to the F22. both are being built by lockheed. it would be weird for them to compete against themselves. the F22 won against the YF-23 and the F-35 beat out the boeing X-32
2 out of 2 people found this comment helpfulWe will not be fighting aliens in the future, because if the aliens have ensued peace amongst themselves then surely would they not ensue peace with other races??
I would think so.
0 out of 1 people found this comment helpfulWho said that the aliens have ensued peace among themselves?
2 out of 2 people found this comment helpfulIs it possible for the jet to use the roll nozzle during flight? I would think that could help with certain maneuvers.
Also I don't see humanity ever ensuing peace among our selves, so why should we expect an alien race to? Unless their hive minded or something.
0 out of 0 people found this comment helpfulThe 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.
0 out of 0 people found this comment helpful