F-35 lightning II USAF af08-0747 first in service (1: 144) Model is approximately 4 1/8 inches long with 2 7/8 inch wingspan. The f-35 variant a is a conventional take-off and landing (ctol) variant of Lockheed Martin's joint strike fighter program. The f-35 is a stealth multi-role fighter aircraft used by the US Air Force and Allied forces. It is the smallest, lightest version and is designed to replace both the F-16 fighting Falcon and A-1 Thunderbolt IIa in the USAF fleet. The f-35 is a fifth-generation fighter, combining advanced stealth capabilities with fighter aircraft speed and agility. The f-35 is armed with a variety of weapons and can carry an impressive 18, 000 pound payload on six external pylons and two internal bays.
july 2011 the 58th fighter Squadron of the 33Rd fighter wing at the f-35 integrated training Center, eglin AFB, fl received the first two f-35 planes.
the U.S. Air Force declared the f-35 basic combat ready in August 2016.