Despite a painful gestation, the Lockheed Martin F-35 has established itself as one of the premier fighter jets in the world, and its appearance at Oshkosh AirVenture 2022 left few without any doubts about its capabilities. The single-engine jet, which first flew 15 years ago, has become a staple of national air defense for more than a dozen U.S. allies, and the versatility of the plane, its calling card and major mission from Day One, has proven a major strength. At Oshkosh, our Art Eichmann photographed the F-35 (the Air Force’s is designated the F-35A) from numerous angles, some of which make it look as though it’s an air-to-air shoot! Enjoy!
Bonus Oshkosh Gallery – 1
The winner of a contract to design and produce the next-gen front line single-engine fighter, the Lockheed Martin F-35 first flew in 2006. Here it is at Oshkosh 2022 taking off on Runway 18. Photo by Art Eichmann
Bonus Oshkosh Gallery – 2
This is the Lockheed Martin F-35A, the version flown by the Air Force. Photo by Art Eichmann
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The F-35 is powered by the low-bypass ratio Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, which produces 43,000 pounds of thrust. Photo by Art Eichmann
Bonus Oshkosh Gallery – 4
A stealthy, multi-role fighter, the F-35 is both an air superiority fighter and a strike fighter. Photo by Art Eichmann
Bonus Oshkosh Gallery – 5
The three variants of the F-35 are the F-35A ,F-35B and F-35C, operated by the Air Force, Marines and Navy, respectively. Photo by Art Eichmann
Bonus Oshkosh Gallery – 6
A fly-by-wire fighter jet, the F-35 is highly maneuverable. It’s much smaller than the twin-engine Lockheed Martin F22, but the planes can be difficult for newbies to differentiate. Photo by Art Eichmann
Bonus Oshkosh Gallery – 8
Control surfaces include leading edge flaps, rudders and flaperons, in addition to the flying tails and verticals, which are canted for lower radar observability. Photo by Art Eichmann
Bonus Oshkosh Gallery – 9
At high angles of attack, the inlets produce condensation. Note, too, the SR-71 like “donuts on a rope” exhaust signature. Photo by Art Eichmann
Bonus Oshkosh Gallery – 10
Its weapons bay doors wide open for demonstration, the F-35 is capable of carrying an impressive array of weaponry. Photo by Art Eichmann
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The USAF Lockheed Martin F-35A makes a slow pass in front of the crowd at Oshkosh AirVenture 2022. Photo by Art Eichmann
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A USAF Lockheed Martin F-35A touches down on Runway 18 at the EAA Oshkosh Airventure 2022 fly-in. Photo by Art Eichmann
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