Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II

10 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

This airframe, AF 5588, is part of the first batch of F-35As delivered to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath (LN tail code). The blue hue from the cockpit canopy is a special coating for radar/IR reduction.

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Aircraft

F-35A Lightning II F35A

USAF 48th Fighter Wing (LN, Lakenheath)

AF 5588

Registration

Airline

United States Air Force (USAF)

USAF

Manufacturer

Lockheed Martin

Insights

Aviation History

The F-35A is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter, considered one of the most advanced aircraft currently in service. It serves as the standard variant for the US Air Force and multiple allied nations.

Fleet Rarity

One of more than 900 F-35s produced, but relatively rare as a Lakenheath (LN) based F-35A as the USAF 48th FW only began F-35 ops in 2021.

Record Flights

Has seen long ferry flights with aerial refueling; regularly crosses the Atlantic for deployment exercises.

Safety & Events

Has experienced developmental and reliability issues in pre-service testing, but now deployed operationally. First combat use by Israel in 2018.

Future Outlook

Expected to remain in front-line service through at least 2060 with ongoing upgrades and procurement.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100

Engine

10.7 meters

Wingspan

15.7 meters

Length

2,200 km (combat)

Range

1,930 km/h (Mach 1.6)

Speed

Single pilot, internal/external stores up to 8,160 kg

Capacity

31,800 kg

MTOW

4.38 meters

Height

191 kN (43,000 lbf) with afterburner

Thrust

Estimated 125 dB (no official ICAO cert)

Noise

Military specific data (e.g., exact noise, payload) can be partially classified or estimated only.