WHAT?
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth generation military fighter jet with state-of-the-art technology.
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program is run by US defense company Lockheed Martin with participation of companies from over 10 other countries including UK, Australia, Japan and Israel.
HOW?
With it's state-of-the-art sensors, stealth, weapons system and computer network technology, the F-35 Lightning II is one of the most advanced military aircraft in use today.
The on-board advanced avionics presents a 360 degree HD coverage and real-time information of the battle space. Battle space information gathered can securely be shared with commanders in the air, on the ground and at sea. The "brain" or processor powering this information system contains over 8 million lines of code and presents information on two touch screen displays. In addition to other features an advanced materials science and integrated airframe and radar design gives the F-35 a very low-observable(VLO) stealth capability and makes it undetectable to enemy radar.
SO?
A combination of integrated avionics, advanced stealth feature, integrated airframe design, sensor fusion - and ability to carry internally its full inventory of weapons and fuel - enables the 1,200 mph F-35 jet to enter undetected and dominate a battle space. The F-35 fighter jet would go in battle spaces, where others can't.
There are currently three main variants of the F-35 Lightning II.
F-35A is the conventional take off and landing(CTOL) variant;
F-35B is the short take off and vertical landing variant; and
F-35C is the catapaul assisted take off but arrested recovery(CATOBAR) variant that is based on aircraft carriers.
For more awesome features, specifications and pictures of the F-35, check out www.f35.com/about