Description:

The evolution of jet fighters, which began at the end of World War II, has now progressed to the fifth generation. The F-16 and F/A-18, the fourth generation of jet fighters, are equipped with turbofan engines with excellent thrust and afterburners, achieving high maneuverability. In addition to these 4th generation capabilities, the 5th generation jet fighter is considered to be characterized by its high stealth, network operations capability, and situational awareness through sensor fusion, and the F-35 Lightning II is a representative example. Based on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, three variants of the F-35 were developed simultaneously: the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A for the Air Force, the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B for the Marine Corps, and the shipborne (CV) F-35C for the Navy. The F-35 can carry out a wide range of missions without compromising its stealth or flight performance by carrying bombs, air-to-air missiles, and other armaments in its armory. Information obtained from various sensors in the fuselage is automatically integrated and shared with other fighter aircraft and naval vessels via data links. The F-35 successfully completed its first flight in December 2006, and the U.S. Air Force, Italian Air Force, and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force have already decided to adopt the F-35A. With the increasing importance of homeland and territorial defense these days, the number of orders will undoubtedly continue to increase and the F-35A will remain a key component of the world's air force.