Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II

Judge Dredd 🇦🇺

17 Aug 2026 · © Judge Dredd

RAAF F-35A Lightning II in high-speed pass, afterburner engaged, trailing vortices against dramatic sky.

2 likes 1 comments

Comments (1)

AviatorShots81 · 17 Aug 2026

Great photo 📸

More like this

Aircraft

F-35A Lightning II F35

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) standard military grey

A35-006

Registration

Manufacturer

Lockheed Martin

Gear

FUJIFILM X-S10 XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II

Achievements

Rare Bird, Military Maverick

2 badges earned

Photo grade

Silver

Score: 86.0

Superb action—afterburner plumes and tight vapor trails add drama, but a touch of softness holds back perfection.

Location

Newcastle Airport

NTL/YWLM

-32.7961, 151.8350

Open map

Newcastle Airport NTL

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

F-35A is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter, cornerstone of modern air forces, and among the most advanced military aircraft currently in service.

Fleet Rarity

Part of the RAAF\'s growing F-35A fleet, which will total 72 aircraft; over 950 F-35s (all variants) delivered globally (as of 2024) but rare compared to civil airliners.

Record Flights

Has conducted the first combat operations for various air forces, including the U.S. and allies; known for stealth and networked operations rather than endurance records.

Safety & Events

Has experienced several grounding incidents due to technical and operational issues, including engine and oxygen system concerns. Some survivable crashes reported.

Future Outlook

Still flying, intended to remain front-line for decades; RAAF continues to operate and expand F-35A usage.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney F135

Engine

10.7 m

Wingspan

15.67 m

Length

2,200 km

Range

1,928 km/h (Mach 1.6)

Speed

Single pilot (fighter, no passengers)

Capacity

31,800 kg

MTOW

4.38 m

Height

191 kN (43,000 lbf) with afterburner

Thrust

Not rated for civil ICAO standards (military jet, extremely loud)

Noise