The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (lightning) is a single-seat, single-engine, multirole fighter designed by Lockheed Martin as a fifth-generation aircraft designed to meet the needs of the United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Army, and United States. Marine Corps. The machine was originally called the X-35 JSF, but in 2006 it was changed to the F-35 Lightning II. Although the main recipient will be the US government, the project will also be co-financed by other countries, including the UK, Italy and the Netherlands. The main contractors are: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The main goal of the JSF idea is to create a universal machine produced for all types of armed forces, which will allow large-scale standardization of spare parts and a significant reduction in costs. Finally, three versions of the F-35 (A, B, and C) will be created, with more than three-quarters of the same elements. The main mission of the F-35 of all versions is to attack ground targets, perform the tasks of a combat aircraft, air combat and electronic warfare. It should be noted that the F-35 is designed for low-intensity conflicts, unlike its larger "relative" F-22. Which does not change the fact that, thanks to the power plant used (Pratt-Whitney F135 engines), avionics and stealth properties, it is one of the most advanced multi-role aircraft in the world. The first production F-35 was produced in February 2006. To date (2013), 63 aircraft of this type have been built. Technical data (F-35A version): Maximum speed: 1930 km / h, maximum ceiling 18288 m, maximum range: 2220 km, armament: stationary - one four-barreled gun General Dynamics GAU-22 / 25 mm, suspended - up to 8100 kg .
