The F-35B Lightning II aircraft is the U.S. Marine Corps’ short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. It provides fifth-generation stealth, advanced sensors, and network-enabled capabilities and is designed to operate from expeditionary airfields, amphibious ships, and other environments with limited runway space.
The F-35B supports the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and Joint Force operations across a wide range of mission sets, including anti-air warfare, air reconnaissance, and offensive air support.
Role in Marine Corps Operations
- Expeditionary Flexibility: Operates from amphibious ships (LHA/LHD), aircraft carriers (CVN), and austere bases with runways shorter than 2,000 feet.
- STOVL Capability: Enables deployment in environments without full-length runways.
- Survivability: Very Low Observable (VLO) technology reduces radar signature and its advanced stealth allows operation inside contested threat environments.
- Sensor Suite and Connectivity: Integrated radar, electronic warfare, infrared, and optical sensors allow for a single, comprehensive battlespace picture in real-time, while its communication systems enable data sharing across air, ground, and sea forces.
Specifications
| Category |
|
Data |
| Length |
|
51.2 ft (15.6 m) |
| Wingspan |
|
35 ft (10.7 m) |
| Wing Area |
|
460 ft² (42.7 m²) |
| Empty Weight |
|
32,300 lb (14,651 kg) |
| Max Gross Weight |
|
60,000 lb class (27,216 kg) |
| Maximum Speed |
|
Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,200 mph) |
| Combat Radius (Internal Fuel) |
|
>450 nautical miles (833 km) |
| Maximum Range (Internal Fuel) |
|
>900 nautical miles (1,667 km) |
| Internal Fuel Capacity |
|
13,100–13,500 lb (5,942–6,123 kg) |
| Maximum G-Rating |
|
7.0 |
| Maximum Thrust |
|
38,000 lb (afterburner) |
| Vertical Lift Thrust |
|
40,500 lb |
| Armament |
|
Internal and external capabilities. Munitions carried vary based on mission requirements. |