Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II (x2)

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth fighter that has been developed to the replace 3rd and 4th generation combat aircraft such as the A-10, F-16, Harrier, Jaguar, and Hornet in NATO and allied nation service. The F-35 was developed from the X-35 which won the Joint Strike Fighter competition against the Boeing X-32. The F-35 has been produced in three different base variants, a standard land based fighter version (F-35A), a Short Take Off and Vertical Land version (F-35B), and a carrier based catapult and arrestor hook version (F-35C) all utilising a common internal configuration and software setup. The F-35 is capable of carrying weapons both on external wing pylons but also in an internal weapons bay increasing its stealth capabilities. The aircraft is also fitted with an advanced 360-degree optical system that can identify missiles or stealth aircraft approaching that would otherwise go undetected, the feed can also be sent to the pilots advanced helmet so when they look down, they see the ground and not the cockpit floor.

The Royal Norwegian Air Force have ordered a total of 52 F-35A models which have replaced the F-16 as the nation’s only combat aircraft. The fleet are based at Ørland Air Base with a satellite Quick Reaction Alert deployment at Evenes Air Base. Since achieving initial operating capability in 2020, Norwegian F-35s have deployed to Iceland four times as part of NATO’s Air Policing commitments. Norwegian F-35s can be fitted with a stealthy pod on the upper rear fuselage which houses a brake parachute to aid in safely stopping an aircraft after landing in icy weather.

As part of our NATO 75th anniversary celebrations, the Royal Norwegian Air Force will be sending a pair of F-35A for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo. This will be the first time Norway has sent its F-35s to RIAT.

Photo Credit: Andrew Evans