US Air Force names F-35 Lightning II

J563 · by **J563** » 07 Jul 2006, 17:57

Official as of today "Lightening 2"... horrible name!

After much speculation, many polls online, and more posts on F-16.net than nearly any other topic, the offical name for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has finally been announced - "Lightning II."

Air Force chief of staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley offically announced the name for the F-35 earlier today at the aircraft's official unveiling at Lockheed Martin's Plant 1 in Ft. Worth, TX before government and defense officials from the U.S., JSF partner countries, and the world's press.

[...]

Full story: http://www.f-16.net/news_article1883.html

Whiteman_B2 · by **Whiteman_B2** » 07 Jul 2006, 17:59

J563 wrote:Official as of today "Lightening 2"... horrible name!

Do you have a link to a press release? I can't find anything yet and the LM site is terrible in this regard.

FlyingWombat · by **FlyingWombat** » 07 Jul 2006, 18:02

See: http://today.reuters.com/stocks/QuoteCo ... XML&rpc=66

Whiteman_B2 · by **Whiteman_B2** » 07 Jul 2006, 18:06

Thanks FlyingWombat! Now myabe LM will post video on their site. Maybe one of the news services?

I can see the nose art now: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ride_the_Lightning :lol:

Forestin · by **Forestin** » 07 Jul 2006, 18:28

Here's what Flightglobal wrote:

US Air Force names Lockheed Martin's F-35 JSF the Lightning II

You voted for Black Mamba, but the US Air Force decided differently and so Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has now been christened.

No poisonous snakes, man-eating birds or scythe wielders; the F-35 has been given a name at once appropriate and predictable - Lightning II. Formally named at the roll-out of the first F-35 today in Fort Worth, Texas, the multinational JSF has been named after two legendary fighters, one American and one British.

[...]

Full story: http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/20 ... tning.html

Well there it is. IMO not the best to choose, but not the worst eather

Ian_Maddock · by **Ian_Maddock** » 07 Jul 2006, 19:22

See http://www.jsf.mil

drummertr · by **drummertr** » 07 Jul 2006, 20:38

I gotta say, Lightning II is one of lamest names I have ever heard for a fighter like this! I am an engineer on the center fuselage of the F-35; me and 15 other engineers here have been helping to design this plane for 4 years and are extremely disappointed in the name. We were all hoping for Phoenix or Cyclone or anything with some originality.

The F-35 has no relation in ability, purpose, or design to the P-38 except that they will both be made by Lockheed. The spruce Goose has about as much in common with the F-35 as the P-38 does, in that they are both planes. But, as we all know, the planes generally get called what ever the pilot decide to nickname them, so hopefully the new, better names will stick as the plane proceeds on.

Iron_Eagle · by **Iron_Eagle** » 07 Jul 2006, 20:49

I just don't think it's the best approach to add a "II" to an existing or existed nickname and apply it to a new aircraft with all the available choices out there.

J.J. · by **J.J.** » 07 Jul 2006, 21:37

Here's the official USAF news article, released today:

'Lightning II' moniker given to Joint Strike Fighter

7/7/2006 - Washington (AFPN) -- The Air Force chief of staff announced Lightning II as the F-35 name during a Joint Strike Fighter Inauguration Ceremony today at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. at Fort Worth, Texas.

Gen. T. Michael Moseley made the final decision after an extensive nomination and review process, coordinated with the other services and partner nations.

[...]

Full story: http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123022931 (short video clip included)

And here's the news release from Lockheed Martin:

Lockheed Martin JSF officially named "Lightning II"

Fort Worth, Texas, July 7, 2006 -- The name echoes those of two formidable fighters from the past: the World War II-era Lockheed P-38 Lightning and the mid-1950s Lightning supersonic jet, built by English Electric.

"The F-35 Lightning II will carry on the legacy of two of the greatest and most capable fighter aircraft of all time," said Ralph D. Heath, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. "Just as the P-38 and the British Lightning were at the top of their class during their day, the F-35 will redefine multi-role fighter capability in the 21st century."

[...]

Full story: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/wms/findP ... i=0&sc=400 (three large pics included)

boff180 · by **boff180** » 07 Jul 2006, 22:20

Hmm... I'm a little unimpressed that they didn't call it the Lightning III.... I now doubt this name will be used in British service.

If it is, it will probably be known just as the Lightning.

Andy

J.J. · by **J.J.** » 07 Jul 2006, 22:49

It's likely that F-35 pilots and crews will create another nickname - as in case of the A/OA-10A, officially named "Thunderbolt II" but better known as "Warthog" (shortened "Hog"). And mostly their pilots are called "Hog drivers".

vinnie · by **vinnie** » 07 Jul 2006, 23:33

Remember it's all about history, look at what units are still around. Think they wanted a name from the past. Don't laugh but I think I would have picked Airacobra P-39( ask the Russians how they liked it duringWW2) or the Tomahawk or Warhawk after the P-40. 2 good aircraft in their relm.

apags27 · by **apags27** » 07 Jul 2006, 23:39

I might stand alone but I think it's classy, I like it.

drummertr · by **drummertr** » 08 Jul 2006, 00:41

I have a feeling its going to be similar to the B-2 situation. I don't hear anyone calling it the "Spirit". It just always called the, "B-2".

Corsair1963 · by **Corsair1963** » 08 Jul 2006, 01:15

I think its a good choice. Hey, they had to come up with a name that was exceptable to the majority. Besides the two largest partners having fighters named Lightning. Many other countries have used the Lightning name. With Japan and Italy coming to mind. Lastly it also translates well... while not exciting, it should satisfy most of the partners! IMO