The 3 versions of the JSF

Here are the specs with a cool overlay feature against the aircraft it is replacing.

the B variant (USMC and RN)


A variant (USAF)


C variant (USN)

The first early production variant F-35, an F-35A, has recntly rolled off the assembly line and will begin systems ground testing, leading up to first flight by the end of the year. By all acounts, the production program is running very smoothly, just a few problems with ToT and work/risk share among some of the partner nations.

Just why is USAF pursuing its version so hard? Why doesn't it just go for navy version (without foldable wings, hook etc)? Okay, so it'd be little bit heavier and therefore have little bit lower thrust to weight ratio but at the same time it would have greater range and/or payload. Stealth level should remain virtually the same. And i would think the internal gun could still be integrated...

also, why the two piece canopy? In this day and age, especially after succesful one piece f22, why not go for one piece canopy on f35 as well?

I'm more curious about the phrase "CTOL". Conventional Takeoff and Landing? Is this a real phrase? I've heard of STOL, ASTOVL, VTOL... but not CTOL.

Besides, isn't that the standard for most aircraft? I'm guessing they slapped that phrase on the aircraft to make it seem more high tech...

Just thought that was amusing.

Totoro said:

Just why is USAF pursuing its version so hard? Why doesn't it just go for navy version (without foldable wings, hook etc)? Okay, so it'd be little bit heavier and therefore have little bit lower thrust to weight ratio but at the same time it would have greater range and/or payload. Stealth level should remain virtually the same. And i would think the internal gun could still be integrated...

also, why the two piece canopy? In this day and age, especially after succesful one piece f22, why not go for one piece canopy on f35 as well?

Click to expand...

Well, I think USAF wants a version tailored for it just like the USN and USMC wants theirs--they invested a good chunk already into the A variant and don't appreciate having someone try to force a different variant on them. However, i think the most important reason why the USAF will get its A version is because this version can expect the most export customers. In fact many of the JSF participant nations are planning on aquiring just the A version, and Lockheed can count on most of its exports customers to require this version. Since the entire economics of the JSF is based on thousands of exports in addition to the US miliary's own purchases, it could seriously hamper the program's success and make all the US's planes more expensive, even if they only go for two variants.

As to the canopy, I am guessing it was a trade off for reduced cost. They weighed the pros and cons and figured for the F-35 primary mission (not air superiority) the slightly inhibited view from a two peice canopy is not as important as keeping unit price down, so they went with a more conventional two piece. I doubt it could save much money, but I think Lockheed is really feeling the pressure to keep this program on budget and on time. They got to build everything imaginable into the F-22, so they are being prudent on the JSF and really looking at every aspect where costs can be kept down while not inhibiting overall performance.