Plastic model aircraft LOCKHEED-MARTIN F-35C "LIGHTNING" II 1:48

KH80132 Plastic model of the LOCKHEED-MARTIN F-35C "LIGHTNING" II aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), is a multi-role aircraft in development since 1996 by Lockheed Martin, with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems as main partners. The F-35 Lightning II is scheduled to enter service in April 2016.

The F-35C version is specifically designed to be carrier-based for the US Navy. Compared to the F-35A and F-35B versions, the F-35C features a larger wingspan, allowing for an increased internal fuel capacity of 9.11 tons. Its structure has been reinforced to withstand the stresses of carrier landings and catapult launches, and it is equipped with foldable wing tips. Notably, the distance between the main landing gear and the arresting hook is 2.16 meters (7.1 feet), much shorter than on other carrier-based aircraft in service as of early 2012.

In October 2010, the Royal Navy decided to equip its future aircraft carrier with a catapult and modify its order to include F-35Cs due to delays and cost increases with the F-35B version. However, in the spring of 2012, the British Navy reverted to its initial choice of the F-35B. In 2011, after the failure of the test campaign simulating carrier landings and eight unsuccessful attempts to catch the arresting wire, it was decided to reevaluate the F-35C’s arresting hook.

In January 2013, Turkey officially ordered an F-35C, marking its interest in this advanced version of the multi-role combat aircraft.