Lockheed Martin F-35B first flight video
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From: Austin
Very nice!! 
Kinda strange how the pilot never refers to the Harrier by name though.. "legacy airplane"?.. lol
Now the F-35 is a thick looking design, it's always peeved me a little that they took the Lightning name... that was one of the most graceful looking aircraft that's ever flown..
Also surprising that the Navy is gonna deploy a single-engine F/A again.. for decades now they've required twin-engines.
That is one massive looking engine though... what's the thrust rating on that thing?
Kinda strange how the pilot never refers to the Harrier by name though.. "legacy airplane"?.. lol
Now the F-35 is a thick looking design, it's always peeved me a little that they took the Lightning name... that was one of the most graceful looking aircraft that's ever flown..
Also surprising that the Navy is gonna deploy a single-engine F/A again.. for decades now they've required twin-engines.
That is one massive looking engine though... what's the thrust rating on that thing?
Originally Posted by wikipedia
Powerplant: 1× Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburning turbofan
Dry thrust: 25,000 lbf[72] (111 kN)
Thrust with afterburner: 40,000+ lbf[72] (178+ kN)
Secondary Powerplant: 1× General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 afterburning turbofan, >40,000 lbf (178 kN) [in development]
Lift fan (STOVL): 1× Rolls-Royce Lift System driven from either F135 or F136 power plant, 18,000 lbf (80 kN)
Dry thrust: 25,000 lbf[72] (111 kN)
Thrust with afterburner: 40,000+ lbf[72] (178+ kN)
Secondary Powerplant: 1× General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 afterburning turbofan, >40,000 lbf (178 kN) [in development]
Lift fan (STOVL): 1× Rolls-Royce Lift System driven from either F135 or F136 power plant, 18,000 lbf (80 kN)
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From: Burleson, Texas
Yes, as well as a CTOL for the USAF, and other nations. 3 models, one common design.
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From: Burleson, Texas
The Raptor, though awesome, doesn't have the ground support capabilities as the F-35.
Well before you can call in ground support, you need total air superiority! I saw two of the -22's at an airshow last year and they were surrounded by guys with M16's. The closest you could get to is was like 5' from the wingtip.
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From: Utah
The one plane fits all concept is probably a bad idea. The F35 will take the place of several aircraft no longer will you see special planes for missions. Guess will see how that works out..
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From: Bronco Country
Thats pretty much how it is already with the F/A-18. With the older single seat variants used for close air support and the tandom seat rhinos (super hornets) taking over the intercept role that the mighty Tomcat was so good at. The Navy and the Corps are getting rid of the EA-6B prowlers to use the EA-18 "Growler" (the electronic warfare variant). We are putting a lot of eggs in one basket. I too believe it to not be the best of choices, but it sure is a heck of a lot cheaper on the ole tax dollars!
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From: Burleson, Texas
They wouldn't be stealthy.