Lockheed Martin X-35 – Fotografie & Videa

The Lockheed Martin X-35 byl koncept demonstračního letounu (CDA) vyvinutý společností Lockheed Martin pro program Joint Strike Fighter. X-35 byl prohlášen za vítěze nad konkurenčním Boeingem X-32 a vyvinutá, ozbrojená verze vstoupila do výroby na počátku 21. století jako F-35 Lightning II.

Zdroj: Lockheed Martin X-35 na Wikipedii

The Lockheed Martin X-35 is a concept demonstrator aircraft that was developed for the Joint Strike Fighter program, a multinational effort to create a new generation of stealthy, multirole fighters. The X-35 competed with the Boeing X-32 and was selected as the winner in 2001, leading to the development of the F-35 Lightning II.
The X-35 was designed to meet the requirements of three different variants: a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) version for the US Air Force, a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version for the US Marine Corps and the UK Royal Navy, and a carrier-based (CV) version for the US Navy. The X-35 shared a common airframe and engine, but had different features and modifications for each variant.
The X-35 was powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan engine, which was derived from the F119 engine used in the F-22 Raptor. The engine had a thrust vectoring nozzle that could be rotated 90 degrees for vertical flight. The STOVL variant also had a Rolls-Royce Lift System that consisted of a lift fan, a drive shaft, a clutch and two roll posts. The lift system provided additional vertical thrust and stability for hovering and landing.
The X-35 made its first flight in October 2000, and performed various tests and demonstrations until 2001. The X-35A (CTOL) demonstrated supersonic flight and aerial refueling. The X-35B (STOVL) demonstrated transition from horizontal to vertical flight and vice versa. The X-35C (CV) demonstrated compatibility with aircraft carrier operations and folding wings. The X-35 was praised for its performance, agility and versatility.
The X-35 was officially named the F-35 in 2002, and entered production in 2006. The F-35 is expected to replace several existing fighter aircraft in the US and allied countries, such as the F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B and Harrier. The F-35 has three variants that correspond to the X-35: the F-35A (CTOL), the F-35B (STOVL) and the F-35C (CV). The F-35 is also known as the Lightning II, after the World War II fighter P-38 Lightning.