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Newbie Joined: May 03, 2004 Posts: 5 Status: Offline

When the time comes for Lockheed Martin to roll out the very first F-35 (most probably F-35A), will it be designated as F-35A Block 10/12 (depends which engine available first), thus following the F-16 designation tradition?

as:
_0 for 'powered by GE/RR F-136'
_2 for 'powered by PW F-135'

I think that they should continue using 'Block _0/Block_2' designation on the F-35 since there are 3 different versions with 2 engines options. Let use the USAF as an example since they are interested in the A and B models:
F-35A Block 10 > CTOL on F-136
F-35A Block 12 > CTOL on F-135
F-35B Block 10 > STOVL on F-136
F-35B Block 12 > STOVL on F-135

Then we would have F-35A/B/C Block 20/22... maybe F-35D/E/F Block 30/32. If there are F-35 two-seaters, most probably F-35... Bang Head

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Newbie Joined: May 03, 2004 Posts: 5 Status: Offline

Ok I just found out this: All inital F-35s will be powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135. From 2009-2010 engine contracts will be split between P&W and the GE/RR F136.

So the first F-35 would be Block 12... if LM make use of this designation...

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Forum: F-35 Lightning II

F-35 Block 10/12?