5 signs that the US has successfully developed the F-35 fighter

Despite a series of problems and delays, the F-35 stealth fighter is showing signs of success.

F-35A fighter demonstrates maneuverability.

PerformanceA series of difficult maneuvers that satisfy the audienceThe F-35 fighter jet's debut at the Paris Air Show late last month was one of the signs that the F-35 project is overcoming difficulties to reach success, according toNational Interest.

Testing process complete

The F-35 program will enter the most comprehensive flight testing period in the history of the US Air Force this year. The three variants for the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps have completed 8,000 performance evaluation flights without a single problem. Each variant meets specifications, making it a highly survivable fighter.

The F-35’s sensor fusion, networked operations, and other features have been thoroughly tested to ensure its ability to detect targets and launch preemptive strikes in air combat. The F-35C variant’s testing phase for the US Navy was considered the most successful sea trial in history.

Mass staffing

The Marine Corps’ F-35B variant has been in service for two years, while the Air Force’s F-35A has been operational for a year and has been deployed to Japan and Europe. Israel, the only Middle Eastern country to agree to buy the F-35, also operates the fighter.

US F-35B fighter jets deployed to Japan. Photo: Japan Times.

More than 200 F-35s have been delivered to customers, a number that will increase to 600 by 2020. More than 400 pilots and 4,000 technicians have undergone training at 12 bases that operate the fighter. In the recent Red Flag exercise, the F-35A had a kill ratio of 20-1 compared to the F-15 and F-16 aircraft playing the role of the blue team.

Cost reduction

The F-35A, the variant ordered by most US allies, is expected to cost $85 million per plane in 2019. That’s on par with the latest version of the F-16 fighter. F-35 production will peak in 2026, and prices are likely to continue to fall, making them more attractive to customers.

Demand is increasing rapidly.

Washington has maintained its plan to buy 2,457 F-35 fighters since the project began in 2001. The US military has maintained this plan through many presidents over the past 16 years, despite technical errors that arose during the fighter's development.

Most international partners have stuck with the program, while new partners have emerged, including Denmark, Israel, Japan, and South Korea. Canada is the only country to cancel its F-35 purchase, but it is likely to change its mind once it sees the benefits of the fighter.

Favorite Pilot

The F-35's excellent performance has been revealed by test pilots. The US Navy said the F-35C carrier-based fighter demonstrated excellent performance during its first sea trials.

An F-35C during testing. Photo: US Navy.

A squadron leader participating in Northern Lightning 2016 said he “couldn’t be happier” with the F-35, while a pilot in the blue role said he couldn’t detect the F-35. Overall, the pilots said the super fighter has a clear advantage over previous fighters.

Powerful firepower, long range and good situational awareness make the F-35 a game-changing fighter, maintaining America's advantage over potential opponents, analyst Lorent B. Thomson emphasized.

According to VNE