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US Air Force and Navy to receive thousands of F-35 fighter jets. Meet the new stealth supersonic jet that features advanced technology futuristic and capable of vertical flight.
The US is reinforcing its military power with 2.456 units of the advanced F-35 fighter, which will equip both the Air Force and the Navy. This fifth-generation supersonic jet stands out for its vertical take-off capability, stealth technology that makes it nearly invisible to the world's most sophisticated radars and its role as an airborne intelligence hub. Fully integrated with real-time communications systems, the F-35 is not just a fighter, but a key player in the modern air domain, combining unprecedented lethality, versatility and connectivity. This robust investment reflects the United States’ commitment to ensuring technological and strategic superiority in the face of global threats.
The production of the 'invisible' supersonic jet'
The F-35B fighter jet, equipped with an engine that generates 191 kN of thrust and state-of-the-art sensors capable of seeing targets in any direction, redefines the concept of air power. With stealth technology inherited from the F-22 Raptor and the ability to operate from small Navy amphibious vehicles, this war machine is an engineering masterpiece that is shaping the future of military aviation.
The development of the stealth supersonic jet is funded primarily by the United States, with support from allied countries. NATO and partners such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and, previously, Turkey.
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Other countries have also ordered or are considering purchasing the aircraft. Despite its strategic relevance, the program has received criticism for its complexity, rising costs and delays in deliveries. The production-to-development-and-test strategy has resulted in costly design adjustments and retrofits.
When will F-35 fighter jets arrive in the US Air Force?
Through July 2024, the average production costs for each supersonic stealth jet were $82,5 million for the F-35A, $101 million for the F-35B and $112,1 million for the F-35C.
The F-35 made its first flight in 2006 and first entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps (F-35B) in July 2015, followed by the Air Force (F-35A) in August 2016 and the Navy (F-35C) in February 2019. The aircraft was first used in combat in 2018 by the Israeli Air Force.
The US Air Force and Navy plan acquire 2.456 F-35 units by 2044, which will represent the bulk of manned tactical aviation for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps for decades. The stealth supersonic jet is destined to be the centerpiece of NATO and U.S.-allied air power, with operations planned through 2070.
Differences between F-35B fighters for the Air Force
The F-35B is widely considered one of the most advanced aircraft ever developed. Although the U.S. Air Force's F-35B fighters have been optimized for stealth and versatility, this has brought some compromises. For example, the additional weight of the lift fan reduces the fuel capacity and range of the stealth supersonic jet relative to other designs.
In addition, your maximum speed is 1,6 Mach, lower than that of the F-22 Raptor (2,2 Mach). However, these limitations are offset by its ability to operate in highly complex environments, such as amphibious ships and short runways.
Advanced materials used in the construction of the F-35B, such as composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes, also ensure strength and lightness. These materials absorb radar waves across a wide range of frequencies, including those used by modern air defense systems such as the Russian S-400.
