With the F-35 Lightning II, the Pentagon wanted to standardize its stealth fighter jet fleet across the armed services—in principle cutting costs. In practice, this has not worked out.
The F-35 Lightning II is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world today. Until the recently-announced F-47 officially debuts—which, given the pace the Pentagon typically works at, may not be for some time—the F-35 maintains its cutting-edge reins. To be specific, all three F-35s maintain the reins. Yes, there are three different types of F-35 flying out there today—and though these aircraft are very similar in some ways, they are remarkably different in others.
Why Are There Three F-35 Variants, Anyway?
To begin with, the three versions of the fifth-generation stealth fighter jet are “A,” “B,” and “C.”
The F-35A is the standard version of the stealth aircraft, and can take off and land on conventional runways. This is the most preferred iteration among the 20 international members of the F-35 program, and the one used by the U.S. Air Force. The F-35A is also the least expensive variant of the plane, costing roughly $80 million per aircraft.
The F-35B is the Short Take-Off, Vertical Landing (STOVL) version of the fighter jet. Designed to take off and land like a helicopter, but fly like a fighter jet, the “B” version brings greater flexibility to the table. The F-35B is flown by several countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan. It is also the version of choice of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Finally, the F-35C is the aircraft carrier version of the aircraft. This iteration is bigger than its siblings and comes with a larger operational range and combat radius to account for time spent above water. Only the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps fly the F-35C.
How Are the Three F-35s Different?
The three versions of the stealth fighter jet share essentially the same capabilities. However, they are quite distinct from one another in several ways.
First, in terms of munitions, the F-35B can carry far fewer weapons than the “A” and “C” versions, owing to weight restrictions due to its STOVL technology. All three versions have the ability to carry munitions both internally and externally. Weapons carried in the aircraft’s internal weapons bay preserve the F-35’s low observability traits. On the other hand, munitions can also be carried on external hardpoints, allowing for a bigger overall payload but diminishing the stealth characteristics of the fighter jet. In the latter configuration, the F-35A and F-35C can carry an impressive 18,000 lbs of munitions; its “B” sibling can carry 15,000 lbs.
Second, in terms of operational range and combat radius, the F-35C can fly further and stay in combat for longer than its siblings. The carrier version of the stealth fighter jet has an operational range of 1,200 nautical miles and a combat radius of 600 nautical miles. By comparison, the F-35A has an operational range of 1,200 nautical miles but a combat radius of 590 nautical miles, while the F-35B has a range of 900 nautical miles and a combat radius of 450 nautical miles.
Third, when it comes to G-forces, the F-35A can sustain higher pressure with a max G-rating of 9.0, followed by the F-35C with 7.5 and the F-35B with 7.0.
As far as the reason behind the three different variants of the same aircraft, it is mainly uniformity and efficiency. With the F-35 Lightning II, the Department of Defense wanted to standardize its stealth fighter jet fleet to the largest possible extent. By having basically one aircraft to maintain and support, the Pentagon would need to spend less money and be more efficient than fixing three different planes with radically different parts.
Of course, cost-saving is not what one thinks of when one regards the F-35. And indeed, putting three different aircraft into the mold of one has led to delays, confusion, and increased costs. The F-35 program is probably the most expensive military program in recent history, with an estimated cost of approximately $2 trillion over its lifetime.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
