Call the F-35 ‘Lightning II'

In all the articles in the Yuma Sun about the new F-35 fighter, the plane is referred to as the “F-35 Joint Strike Force Fighter.” It should really be called the “F-35 Lightning II.”

The term Joint Strike Force Fighter came from the JSF X-35 Program. Countries involved in developing the fighter were the U.S., United Kingdom and other countries. There are three versions of the F-35. The F-35A is a conventional take-off aircraft. The F-35B is a short take-off and vertical take-off version. The F-35C is a carrier-based version. The Marine Corps will probably use the F-35B. The cost for each version is expected to range from $197 million to $235 million.

The F-35 is designated to replace the F-16, A-10 and F/A-18. There have been some negative reports on the F-35. Some say the fighter comes in second when compared with the latest Chinese and Russian fighters, but I am sure the Pentagon has studied every aspect of the fighter and knows what our men will face in combat situations flying the F-35 Lightning II.

Mike Haley

Yuma