Joint Strike Fighter Program

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The selected X-35 in the air
The inferior X-32

The Joint Strike Fighter program, (originally Joint-Advanced-Strike-Technology, literally "joint advanced combat technology" ( JAST for short )) was launched in 1993 after the US Department of Defense carried out some studies of the current state and future Requirements for the armed forces had completed. For the airborne forces in the US Army, this meant that the ongoing F-22 Raptor and F / A-18E / F programs were continued. The Multi-Role Fighter program and the A / FX program have been canceled, and the procurement of F-16 Fighting Falcon and F / A-18C / D will expire. The JAST program was started as a kind of compensation.

The JAST project office opened on January 27, 1994 . His first tasks were to define requirements for aircraft, weapons and sensor technology that would have to be achieved through the future development of tactical aircraft. The ultimate goal was a common family of aircraft that could replace several aging aircraft types in the hangars of the United States and the British.

Design goals for the Joint Strike Fighter included:

  • Stealth properties
  • Sensor integration to support precision ammunition
  • Low procurement costs
  • Low maintenance costs

The JSF will be available in three different versions, which are tailored to the needs of the respective customer:

  • A conventional take off and landing aircraft for the United States Air Force and export (variant A)
  • A carrier-supported variant for the United States Navy with larger wings, folding wing ends, reinforced landing gear and catch hooks. (Variant C)
  • A short take-off aircraft with vertical landing capability for the United States Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force . The engine concept is completely new (variant B)

Due to the requirements, the following companies each presented a concept study in 1994.

In 1996 Boeing and Lockheed Martin got the order to develop and build the X-32 and the X-35 respectively .

On October 26, 2001 it was decided that the construction contract for the future F-35 Joint Strike Fighter went to Lockheed Martin.

Technical specifications