The A-Model F-35
The now combat-tested F-35A has become ubiquitous around the world, and the aircraft can be found residing as the top dog of choice within the various air forces. Born in controversy as are almost all new programs, the F-35 continues to be manufactured at a high rate, aside from some Covid delays. The cost was probably the number one gripe, with program delays coming in second. Regardless, the F-35 is in the process of being as popular as the F-16 was when it made its entry back in the day.
The F-35 is a spiral develop program and it receives periodic validation and software updates to add new weapons and systems to the arsenal of what it can carry. Now that most of the bugs have been stomped out, the F-35 is more reliable than ever and has become a well-oiled fighting machine, with most of the F-35A deployments and exercises having demonstrated over 80% mission-capable rates.
There are three primary F-35 variants: the A, B, and C-models. There is also the Israeli I-model, essentially a modified A-model with special Israeli enhancements. The A-model is the ground based Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CVTOL) model that boasts an internal gun, the B is the Short Takeoff Vertical Landing (STOVL)
