The first of the UK's next generation of supersonic stealth fast jets, the Joint Strike Fighters, are to be purchased by the MOD, Defence Secretary John Hutton has announced today, Wednesday 18 March 2009.
Mr Hutton said that three Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) test aircraft are to be purchased, marking a significant milestone in the UK's commitment to the JSF project.
JSF will provide the UK with an unrivalled 'fifth-generation' tactical air system, designed with stealth characteristics and advanced sensors, and will afford the UK a 'step change' in capability.
The new aircraft will replace the capability provided by the Joint Force Harriers.
Built by Lockheed Martin this first production aircraft - F-35 AA-1 - flew its maiden flight on 15 December 2006 and the aircraft are being developed under a joint US/UK and other nations agreement.
The UK variant will be a multi-role fighter/attack aircraft with a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capability similar to the current Joint Force Harrier, and will be able to operate from land bases or aircraft carriers.
Advantages over the Harrier will include supersonic flight, stealth, improved survivability and range, and being able to carry munitions inboard and externally. Vertical lift will be provided by a Rolls-Royce developed fan system.
Compared with the conventional take-off and landing (F-35A) variant already flying, the F-35B has a shaft-driven lift fan mounted behind the cockpit, roll ducts installed in the wing and swivelling nozzle fitted to the engine.
In STOVL mode, doors open above and below the lift fan, a clutch engages to drive the two-stage contra-rotating fan from the engine and the rear nozzle pivots downward to deflect engine thrust.
The JSF will keep the RAF and the Royal Navy at the forefront of military aviation technology and give them an aircraft that will surpass most current and planned future aircraft and weapons systems until the middle of this century.
source - MoD
