Is the F-35 program in trouble?
F-35 Program Stagnated in 2021 but DOD Testing Office Hiding Full Extent of Problem. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program appears to be in a state of suspended development, with little progress made in 2021 toward improving its lackluster performance.
Does the F-35 have any kills?
Israeli F-35s were the first to see combat in 2018. On March 7, 2022, the Israeli Defense Forces declassified a report and footage of the F-35 scoring its first air-to-air kills. “On March 15, 2021, two Iranian UAVs attempted to infiltrate Israel,” the previously classified IDF report states.
How many problems does the F-35 have?
Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 jet remains marred by more than 800 unresolved software and hardware deficiencies of varying severity that could undercut readiness, missions or maintenance, according to updated statistics released Tuesday by the Pentagon’s testing office and Congress’s watchdog agency.
How long can a F-35 stay in the air?
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning (1,350 miles) It can fly 1,350 miles without refueling. However, it certainly shouldn’t be underestimated with its electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The F-35 Lightning is also capable of short take-off and vertical-landing.
Why is the f35 a failure?
A very expensive, time-consuming failure. The F-35 was supposed to be a low-cost, lightweight fighter jet. But with a cost of around $100 million per jet and project delays now stretching into double digits, the F-35 is one of the most high-profile failures in the history of military procurement.
Does the F-35C have a gun?
All three F-35 variants are equipped, in one configuration or another, with a 25 mm GAU-22/A four-barrel Gatling gun, which is capable of firing over 3,000 rounds a minute.
Can an F-35 take off vertically?
Out of the three variants, the F-35B has a short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capability, which can be used either on land or on an aircraft carrier. The STOVL feature makes the jet land vertically like a helicopter and take off in very short distances.