The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) will be a next generation defence force combat aircraft.
It will be an affordable, supersonic, multi-role, stealth (radar-evading) fighter with a single engine and a single pilot. It will have an internal weapons bay and take full advantage of developments in software and radar technology.
Three models will be produced - Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL), Short Take Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) and Carrier Vehicle (CV). Australia is interested in the CTOL version. Prototypes of the JSF have already undergone flight assessment. It is anticipated that the JSF will cost significantly less than known alternatives due to its large production run.
Full rate production and delivery is expected to commence from 2012, following a ten year development phase. Around 2600 aircraft are expected to be produced for the US and United Kingdom, with total worldwide production of up to 6000 aircraft. This provides enormous opportunities for industry to become involved, develop new technologies and integrate into global supply chains.
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