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F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) The F35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is the Department of Defense's focal point for defining affordable next generation strike aircraft weapon systems for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the next generation strike fighter bringing cutting-edge technologies to the battlespace of the future. The JSFs advanced airframe, autonomic logistics, avionics, propulsion systems, stealth, and firepower will ensure that the F-35 is the most affordable, lethal, supportable and survivable aircraft ever to be used by so many warfighters across the globe. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is a joint venture between the USA, Britain and several partner countries, to replace the current generation of strike fighters, particularly the VSTOL AV-8 Harrier II (US), Harrier GR7/9 (UK), the Sea Harrier (UK) and the conventional A-10 Thunderbolt II, F/A-18 Hornet and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It is to be a multirole strike fighter (a plane with a strong emphasis on close air support and tactical bombing as well as air-to-air combat) currently in early development by Lockheed Martin with partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Three JSF variants are envisioned: the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) F-35A for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the RAF; the Advanced Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (ASTOVL) F-35B for the US Marine Corps (USMC) and the Royal Navy (RN); and the carrier-based (CV) F-35C for the U.S. Navy (USN). The USAF is considering the F-35B. The Royal Navy is considering ordering the F-35C variant for its large CVF Future Carrier program. |