USAF F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team

Based out of Hill AFB in Utah, the USAF F-35 Lightning II Demo Team travels the world demonstrating the incredible capabilities of the F-35A.

The Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter that combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility. There are three distinct variants of the F-35, which are flown by the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. The F-35A is flown by the U.S. Air Force.

The USAF F-35 Lightning II Demo Team is led by Major Melanie Kluesner. This is her second year as the commander and pilot of the team.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The F-35 is the first and only stealth, supersonic, multi-role fighter jet!
• The F-35 is set to replace aging fighters including the F-16s, A-10s, F/A-18s, and AV-8B Harriers!
• The helmet mounted display system contains all the intelligence and targeting information an F-35 pilot needs to complete a mission!
• With the helmet, the pilots have the ability to look through the floor of the jet and see what is below!
• Nine countries are involved in the development of the F-35. They are the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Australia.

FAST FACTS:

Engine: One Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine
Thrust: 43,000 pounds of thrust per engine
Wingspan: 35 feet
Length: 51 feet
Height: 14 feet
Speed: Mach 1.6+ (equivalent to approximately 1,200 MPH!)
Combat Range: 1,350 miles
Ceiling: 50,000 feet
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 70,000 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 18,498 pounds internally
Unit Cost: $128 million
Inventory: 81 in the Air Force (includes 4 international aircraft) as of October 20, 2015

Learn more: https://www.388fw.acc.af.mil/F-35A-Demo-Team/