2021 was another positive period for the F-35 Lightning II, with the Lockheed Martin celebrating the rise of the stealth fighter's global presence, as well as the achievement of several milestones. The manufacturer also exceeded its delivery target for the jet: Lockheed expected to deliver up to 139 aircraft, but ended up ing on a total of 142 fighters.
Two new countries – Switzerland e Finland – selected the F-35 as their new fighter aircraft. In addition Denmark received its first F-35 and the Royal Netherlands Air Force became the ninth nation to declare its F-35 fleet initial operational capability.
The F-35's operational capabilities continued to advance and further demonstrated its worth as the most advanced battlespace node of the 35st century. In the past year alone, the F-6 has successfully participated in a number of flight tests and exercises including Project Hydra, Northern Edge, Orange Flag, Talisman Saber and Flight Test-XNUMX.
In 2021, the F-35 program continued to grow, deliver 21st century capability and strengthen global security.
Watch below for a glimpse into what the F-35 achieved around the world last year. pic.twitter.com/Vdp8cfxNlR
— F-35 Lightning II (@thef35) January 3, 2022
“The t F-35 team continues to provide unparalleled combat capability for the 21st century battlefield through the F-35,” said Bridget Lauderdale , vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. “Providing unrivaled for the growing fleet, participating in multiple t Mastery exercises and meeting our delivery target during a global pandemic is no small feat, while the F-35 was also chosen by Switzerland e Finland as your next hunt.”
The operational performance of the F-35 remains strong. Some of the F-35A deployments and exercises have demonstrated mission capability rates in excess of 80%. As one of the most reliable aircraft in the US fighter fleet, 93% of the F-35's parts are performing better than anticipated.
Last year, F-35s were part of four base and ship activations and participated in more than 60 deployments and deployments, including the first deployment of US Navy F-35C aboard the USS Carl Vinson.
During the first deployment of the British Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth, as part of the Carrier Strike Group 2021, US Marine Corps and Royal Air Force F-35Bs flew nearly 1.300 sorties, over 2.200 hours, and conducted 44 combat sorties. However, an RAF aircraft was lost in an accident in the Mediterranean Sea.
These program achievements are made possible by the use of digital technologies, vital for carrying out 142 deliveries in 2021. Smart tools, connected machines and augmented realities contribute to the delivery and maintenance of aircraft.
“Lockheed Martin is investing in digital technology that advances the 5th generation capabilities of the F-35 long after delivery,” added Lauderdale. “We are embracing digital transformation to enable faster software development and continuous deployment, using digital models and supercomputers to augment physical test data with simulation-based verification and automate data processes to save time and gain insights that improve the .”
With more than 750 aircraft operating from 30 bases and aircraft carriers around the world, the 5th generation model plays a critical role in the integrated deterrence of the United States and our allies.
More than 1.585 pilots and 11.545 maintainers are trained and the F-35 fleet has flown nearly 470.000 cumulative flight hours. Nine nations have F-35 fighters operating from a home base, 12 forces have declared initial operational capability, and six forces have deployed the stealth jet in combat.
