The Joint Strike Fighter is being delivered to three branches of the US military in three different versions. The Air Force will be the biggest customer by far, ordering 1,736 A-variants. The F-35A is a traditional takeoff / landing model, needing about the same length runway as an F-16. It will replace the F-16 starting in 2013 and matches the F-16 in flight performance but is superior to the Falcon in range and payload capacity, even though it is the smallest JSF variant. The A-model will also replace the A-10C’s close air support role in 2028, but further modifications are expected to be made to the F-35 to make it more effective at flying “low and slow.”
The F-35B will be delivered to the USMC by 2012 to replace the AV-8B Harrier. Like the Harrier, the F-35 will be able to land vertically and takeoff in very short distances. The B could also replace the rest of the Marines’ aging fleet, like the F-18, and even take on electronic warfare roles. As many as 609 could be delivered, but cutbacks are expected.
The F-35C carrier variant will begin deliveries in 2015. This will be the Navy’s model, designed to takeoff using a ship catapult and land with a cable / tale hook system. It will be the largest variant and will replace the F/A-18 A-D Hornet. It will fly along side the Super Hornet and Growler electronic warfare plane. 480 are on order. (See more about the F-35C in the F-35C Characteristics post).
