What is the F-35 and how does it work?

The F-35 is designed as an ambush predator that uses its stealth and networking capabilities to shoot down enemies before they enter visual—or dogfighting—range. The most important question is how adversaries will use the F-35’s restrictions when planning missions against U.S. Navy and Marine Corps air power.

Why is the Pentagon restricting F-35 flight restrictions?

The Pentagon is placing permanent flight restrictions on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters flown by the Navy and Marine Corps, restrictions that limit the jets to short bursts of supersonic speed at high altitudes. A deficiency in the aircraft’s design risks damage to the airplane’s tail section during sustained supersonic flight.

Why can’t the F-35 fly at supersonic speeds?

The stresses of flying at supersonic speed threaten to erode a F-35’s stealth coating and damage key antennas embedded in the tail of the aircraft. Instead of fixing the issue, the Pentagon has decided it is simply not important and restricted how long certain versions of the F-35 can fly at supersonic speeds.

Why won’t the F-35 fly with a stealth coating?

The F-35 Joint Program Office, which manages the entire F-35 enterprise, says it would take too long to develop a new, more durable stealth coating. The Air Force’s -A version will not fly with the restriction, though it is not clear why.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaNPD3wIvAQ

How many missiles can the F-35 carry?

The F-35 can only carry four AIM-120 AMRAAM medium range air-to-air missiles while preserving its stealthy profile. The jet can carry even more bombs and missiles externally on wing-mounted rails, but doing so makes it a bigger target on enemy radars.

How long will the F-35 stay top of the class?

New features should keep the fighter on top for years to come. The F-35, which has undergone a 20-year design and development effort, is scheduled for a slew of technology upgrades to keep the aircraft current.