Lockheed Martin X-35

Lockheed Martin X-35
Country	USA
Role	Concept demonstrator aircraft
First flight	24 October 2000
Built	2

The Lockheed Martin X-35 was a concept demonstrator aircraft (CDA) developed by Lockheed Martin for the Joint Strike Fighter program. The X-35 was declared winner over the competing Boeing X-32 and a developed, armed version went on to enter production in the early 21st century as the F-35 Lightning II.

Source: Lockheed Martin X-35 on Wikipedia

Lockheed Martin X-35B Joint Strike Fighter Walk Around
Photographers	John Heck, Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	NASM Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly
Photos	90

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X-35 Walk Around
Photographer	Wayne Fowler
Localisation	Unkbow
Photos	29

X-35

General Characteristics and Role

The Lockheed Martin X-35B was the Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) demonstrator variant in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program competition against the Boeing X-32. Its primary role was to prove the feasibility of a high-performance, supersonic, stealth fighter capable of operating from aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and forward operating bases without conventional runways. The X-35B successfully demonstrated the necessary technological leaps, including supersonic flight, STOVL capability, and in-flight refueling. Its success, particularly its unique lift system, was key to Lockheed Martin winning the JSF contract, leading to the development of the F-35 Lightning II.

Property	Typical Value (X-35B Demonstrator)
Role	Experimental STOVL Fighter Demonstrator
National Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems
First Flight (STOVL)	24 June 2001
Crew	1 Pilot
Length	15.47 m (50 ft 9 in)
Wingspan	10.05 m (33 ft 0 in)
Maximum Speed	Supersonic (Achieved Mach 1.05 during testing)
Configuration	Single-engine, stealth, STOVL

Lift System and Powerplant

Engine: 1 x Pratt & Whitney JSF-119-PW-100 (a derivative of the F119).
Key Innovation (STOVL): The X-35B utilized a unique three-bearing swivel duct nozzle (3BSN) for downward thrust and a Rolls-Royce LiftFan located behind the cockpit.
LiftFan Principle: The LiftFan is driven by a shaft from the main engine, drawing cold air from above the fuselage and directing it downward, providing a massive increase in vertical lift thrust without relying solely on exhaust gas (a less hot and more efficient method).
Thrust (Vertical): The combined vertical thrust from the main nozzle and the LiftFan exceeded 40,000 lbf (180 kN).
Achievement: The X-35B famously completed the “Three-in-One Flight” by taking off in a short distance, going supersonic, and landing vertically in a single flight, a first for any aircraft.

Program Outcome and Legacy

Competition Victory: The X-35 design was declared the winner of the JSF competition in 2001, primarily due to the simpler, more reliable, and lower-risk STOVL system compared to the Boeing X-32.
F-35 Lineage: The X-35B directly led to the development of the F-35B Lightning II, the production STOVL variant currently used by the U.S. Marine Corps and Royal Air Force/Royal Navy.
Influence: The X-35 program successfully combined stealth, supersonic performance, and STOVL capability in a single platform, demonstrating a significant leap in fighter technology.
Preservation: The X-35B demonstrator is preserved and displayed at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.