Lockheed Martin X-35B STOVL
Considering that the US Air Force did not declare a basic operational capability for the F-35A until August 2016, and the F-35B and F-35C have yet to be declared operational, it seems odd that the above airframe was on display as a museum exhibit in early 2012!
However, this aircraft is the first X-35 ever built. It was originally the X-35A and was modified to include the lift-fan engine for testing of the STOVL concept. Among its many test records, this aircraft was the first in history to achieve a short take-off, level supersonic dash, and vertical landing in a single flight. It is also the first aircraft to fly using a shaft-driven lift-fan propulsion system.
The X-35B is the technology demonstrator for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a stealthy, supersonic, multi-role fighter. After meeting the goals for the conventional take-off version, the X-35A was modified into the X-35B for testing the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) features.
Three operational F-35 versions are planned. The conventional variant (F-35A), designed for the US Air Force, will be built in the largest quantities. The US Navy's carrier variant (F-35C) features larger wing and control surfaces, additional wingtip ailerons, and a strengthened internal structure to absorb the punishment of catapult launches and arrested landings. The wings also fold for better storage aboard carriers. The short takeoff/vertical landing variant (F-35B) will be used by the US Marine Corps, Britain's Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and the Italian Air Force and Navy. Budget constraints continue to impact the future of the F-35 and the final production run has not yet been determined.
The STOVL version (F-35B) is equipped with a shaft-driven lift-fan propulsion system, which enables the aircraft to take off from a short runway or small aircraft carrier and to land vertically. The F-35, as the production version is designated, was conceived as the replacement for many aging fighters, such as the F-16, A-10, F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier. Given the rapid development of unmanned aircraft, the F-35 may also be the last piloted fighter produced in large numbers.
The Pratt & Whitney JSF 119-PW-611 turbofan engine (seen beyond the airframe) deflects thrust downward for short takeoff/vertical landing capability. The Air Force and Navy versions use a thrust-vectoring exhaust nozzle. The Marine Corps and RAF/RN version has a swivel-duct nozzle; an engine-driven fan behind the cockpit and air-reaction control valves in the wings to provide stability at low speeds. This unique propulsion system won the prestigious Collier Trophy in 2001.
Lockheed Martin X-35B STOVL
Considering that the US Air Force did not declare a basic operational capability for the F-35A until August 2016, and the F-35B and F-35C have yet to be declared operational, it seems odd that the above airframe was on display as a museum exhibit in early 2012!
However, this aircraft is the first X-35 ever built. It was originally the X-35A and was modified to include the lift-fan engine for testing of the STOVL concept. Among its many test records, this aircraft was the first in history to achieve a short take-off, level supersonic dash, and vertical landing in a single flight. It is also the first aircraft to fly using a shaft-driven lift-fan propulsion system.
The X-35B is the technology demonstrator for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a stealthy, supersonic, multi-role fighter. After meeting the goals for the conventional take-off version, the X-35A was modified into the X-35B for testing the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) features.
Three operational F-35 versions are planned. The conventional variant (F-35A), designed for the US Air Force, will be built in the largest quantities. The US Navy's carrier variant (F-35C) features larger wing and control surfaces, additional wingtip ailerons, and a strengthened internal structure to absorb the punishment of catapult launches and arrested landings. The wings also fold for better storage aboard carriers. The short takeoff/vertical landing variant (F-35B) will be used by the US Marine Corps, Britain's Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and the Italian Air Force and Navy. Budget constraints continue to impact the future of the F-35 and the final production run has not yet been determined.
The STOVL version (F-35B) is equipped with a shaft-driven lift-fan propulsion system, which enables the aircraft to take off from a short runway or small aircraft carrier and to land vertically. The F-35, as the production version is designated, was conceived as the replacement for many aging fighters, such as the F-16, A-10, F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier. Given the rapid development of unmanned aircraft, the F-35 may also be the last piloted fighter produced in large numbers.
The Pratt & Whitney JSF 119-PW-611 turbofan engine (seen beyond the airframe) deflects thrust downward for short takeoff/vertical landing capability. The Air Force and Navy versions use a thrust-vectoring exhaust nozzle. The Marine Corps and RAF/RN version has a swivel-duct nozzle; an engine-driven fan behind the cockpit and air-reaction control valves in the wings to provide stability at low speeds. This unique propulsion system won the prestigious Collier Trophy in 2001.