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Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
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LockheedMartinF-35LightningII

Multirole Fighters · United States · 2015
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LockheedMartinF-35LightningII

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Versatility
88
Air-to-Air Capability
80
Air-to-Ground Capability
85
Avionics
90
Range & Payload
80
Speed & Agility
75
Survivability
85
Reliability
70
Technology
95
Cost-Effectiveness
65
Origin United States
ManufacturerLockheed Martin Aeronautics
CategoryMultirole Fighters
EraModern Era
In service2015
Operators30 countries
Quantity1,325
Data Quality85%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
83
Multirole Fighters MASS Rating
5/12
Modern Era
26/88
All-Time
Multirole Fighters · 10 axes scored
Versatility
88
Air-to-Air Capability
80
Air-to-Ground Capability
85
Avionics
90
Range & Payload
80
Speed & Agility
75
Survivability
85
Reliability
70
Technology
95
Cost-Effectiveness
65
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the multirole fighters category.
01 / Overview
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Production
2015–
Quantity
1,325
Unit Price (current)
$100.4M↗ 6% inflation · 2023→2025
Original Price
$95.0M (2023)
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
MULTIROLE FIGHTERS · MODERN ERA
5
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
60
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
$100.4M
Original: $95.0M (2023)
Inflation: +%6
83
multirole fighters category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the multirole fighters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • First Flight2006
  • Service Entry Year2015
  • Crew1
  • Primary RoleMultirole strike fighter with air‑superiority and attack missions
  • GenerationFifth
  • In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant10MOD.10
  • Engine TypePratt & Whitney F135-PW-100
  • Engine ModelPratt & Whitney F135
  • Number of Engines1
  • Thrust (dry, each)0
  • Thrust (afterburner, each)191,000
  • Thrust-to-Weight1.07
  • AfterburnerYes
  • SupercruiseYes
  • Thrust VectoringNo
  • Internal Fuel8,278.2 kg
▣Performance10MOD.10
  • Top Speed1,930 km/h
  • Top Speed (Mach)1.6 Mach
  • Cruise Speed900 km/h
  • Stall Speed260 km/h
  • Service Ceiling15,240 m
  • Ferry Range2,778 km
  • Combat Radius1,100 km
  • Rate of Climb315 m/s
  • G-Limit9
  • Takeoff Run800 m
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
  • Length15.667 m
  • Wingspan10.668 m
  • Height4.389 m
  • Wing Area42.735
  • Empty Weight13,100 kg
  • Loaded Weight18,000 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight31,700 kg
◆Armament8MOD.8
⬢Production4MOD.4
  • Total Built1,325
  • Unit Cost95,000,000 USD
  • Operators20
  • Variants3
▲Service History2MOD.2
  • Production Start2006
  • Operational StatusIn service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 2015Production started
  2. 2026First deployment: 2026 Iran War
11
years in service
1,325
units produced
30
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE13terms
Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar: a radar system using a phased array antenna to steer and scan electronically.
An afterburner is a device that injects fuel into a jet engine's hot exhaust gases, generating additional thrust through combustion.
Air-to-air missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to engage other aircraft. They are used for self-defense and to gain air superiority.
Air-to-Ground Missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to attack ground targets. They enable aircraft to engage and destroy enemy ground positions, vehicles, and installations.
Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles designed to engage and destroy naval vessels. They are typically used by aircraft, ships, or submarines to attack enemy ships.
A collection of integrated electronic systems on a military aircraft designed to detect, identify, disrupt, or deceive enemy radar, communications, and guided weapons.
A helmet-mounted display system that allows pilots to aim weapons by looking at targets, tracking head movements to direct sensors or weapons.
Infrared Search and Track (IRST) is a passive sensor system that detects and tracks airborne targets by their heat signatures without emitting radiation.
An internal compartment within a military aircraft designed to store and deploy weapons, reducing radar cross-section and aerodynamic drag.
Aircraft design and technology features that reduce detection by radar, infrared, acoustic, and other sensors through shaping, materials, and emissions control.
Supercruise is the ability of an aircraft to sustain supersonic speed in level flight without using afterburner.
Enables real-time sharing of position, targeting, and sensor data among aircraft and platforms for coordinated combat operations.
A targeting pod is an external sensor module mounted on aircraft that provides laser designation, infrared imaging, and range‑finding to support precision strike and reconnaissance.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Multirole Fighters entry →