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What is the difference between F-35A F-35B and F-35C?
The F-35A provides conventional takeoff/landing and is operated by the USAF, the F-35B provides short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STVOL) capabilities for the US Marines, and the F-35C is designed for carrier operations and is operated by the US Navy.
Will the RAF have F-35A?
The delivery of the UK’s first F-35B was made on 19 July 2012 at Fort Worth, Texas, for flight trials by the RAF and Royal Navy. In 2015, the government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review stated that the Government planned to order 138 F-35s, with 24 of them to be available for carrier duties by 2023.
How many F-35 does the UK currently have?
24
Future UK plans for the F-35 The UK has plans to eventually have 138 F-35Bs, with 48 of those by 2025. The 138 figure was clarified last year by Sir Stephen Lovegrove as the “upper limit” of how many would be bought. The UK currently owns 24 of the aircraft with 21 based domestically and three stationed in the US.
How high can F 35 fly?
50,000 feet
Technology
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
|---|---|
| Ceiling | 50,000 feet |
| Max Speed | 1,960 km/h (Mach 1.6) |
| Thrust | 40,000 lb Maximum power (with afterburner), 25,000 lb Military Power (without afterburner) |
| Max g-rating | 9.0 |
Why does the F-35B have STOVL capabilities?
Moreover, the STOVL capabilities give the F-35B much greater flexibility when operating from forward land bases, as RAF aircraft will. An F-35B takes off from HMS Queen Elizabeth using the ships ski jump. (Image: Royal Navy by Kyle Heller)
What does F-35B stand for?
The F-35B is a Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft. It is also known as the Lightning II. The F-35B is a modified version of the generic F-35 multi-role fighter. This model was developed for the US Marine Corps, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Development of this aircraft was principally funded by…
Is the F-35B short-take-off-and vertical landing?
Meanwhile, in separate tests, the F-35B, the Short-Take-Off-and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant that the UK has ordered has performed well, not only in US Marine Corps testing, but also in recent UK sea trials aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, during October and November 2018.
How many F-35s does the RAF need?
In addition to this, there will be a training squadron, so the Joint F-35 force requires a minimum of five squadrons, or 60-72 aircraft. An ideal number might include two further squadrons, or 96 aircraft in total, enabling the RAF to support for ground force from forward bases as the Harrier did before.