May 31, 2006 (by Jeff Hollenbeck) -
While anticipation of the official name for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter continues to build, names under consideration have begun to leak out to the press.
Representatives of the countries partnering on the JSF program surround a scale model of the F-35 at the Paris Air Show on June 15. The delegates built the model on site, adding sections until it was completed. Each section displays the flag of one partner country.
Published reports indicate that some of the names under consideration include Lightning II, Spitfire II, Black Mamba, and Piasa. Lightning II, which was originally considered for the F-22 Raptor, is considered the front runner with Spitfire II following close behind.
Some of the rejected names submitted by U.S. services and Allies include MustangII, Scorpion, PhantomIII, and Skyruler. Fury was a favorite some time ago, but was dropped due to a possible trademark violation as Plymouth motors had a car by the same name in the past.
Lockheed is hopeful that the new name will be announced by U.S. President George W. Bush in a proposed visit to the factory on July 7, 2006.
