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F-35 will bring 5th generation capability to Navy
April 3, 2007 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
The United States Navy's first stealth fighter - the F-35 Lightning II - will bring tremendous improvements in combat capability, operational flexibility and overall force efficiency, a Lockheed Martin official and former Naval aviator said on Monday.
"The F-35C offers advanced stealth that is ruggedized to maintain its Very Low Observable signature even in the harsh environment of an aircraft carrier," said Stephen O'Bryan, Lockheed Martin F-35 Business Development senior manager for U.S. Navy Programs. O'Bryan addressed reporters at a pre- Navy League news conference.
"We are committed to meeting or exceeding the Navy's requirements for the F-35C. It's an honor to be part of the industry team that will provide the Navy unmatched air-to-air, strike and intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance capabilities in a single platform," O'Bryan said.
In addition to its war-fighting capabilities the F-35 will reduce operation and support costs, with a forecast 20-percent savings in cost per flight hour and a 60-percent reduction in support-equipment requirements, compared to current-generation fighters.
The United States Navy version of the JSF, piloted by Joe Sweeney, took to the skies on Saturday, Dec. 16th 2000, initiating a flight-test program that focused on carrier-suitable flying qualities and aircraft performance. [LMTAS photo]
"We are committed to meeting or exceeding the Navy's requirements for the F-35C. It's an honor to be part of the industry team that will provide the Navy unmatched air-to-air, strike and intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance capabilities in a single platform," O'Bryan said.
In addition to its war-fighting capabilities the F-35 will reduce operation and support costs, with a forecast 20-percent savings in cost per flight hour and a 60-percent reduction in support-equipment requirements, compared to current-generation fighters.
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Additional images:
The Navy JSF flies 2,500 miles to Patuxent River for Carrier-Suitability Testing. The X-35C touched down at Patuxent River NAS, Maryland on Feb. 10th 2001, completing the first-ever transcontinental flight. [LMTAS photo]