Captain Melanie Kluesner is the pilot of the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team. The mission of the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration team is to showcase the unique aerial capabilities of the United States Air Force’s most advanced 5th generation multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35A Lightning II, as well as highlight the history of the United States Air Force’s service through heritage formation flights. Additionally, she provides operational oversight and direction for the 13-personnel team, to include maintenance, aircrew flight equipment, and public affairs Airmen.
F-35A LIGHTNING II
The F-35A is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9g capable multirole fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion and unprecedented situational awareness. Three models of F-35 have been developed (F-35A, F-35B, F-35C). The F-35A is designed to operate from conventional runways and is the most common variant, the F-35B can land vertically like a helicopter and take-off in very short distances and the F-35C is designed and built explicitly for aircraft carrier operations.
The F-35A’s advanced sensor package is designed to gather, fuse and distribute more information than any fighter in history, giving operators unprecedented Situational Awareness and a decisive advantage over all adversaries. Its processing power, open architecture, sophisticated sensors, information fusion and flexible communication links make the F-35 an indispensable tool in future homeland defense, Joint and Coalition combat operations.
The F-35’s helmet mounted display system is the most advanced system of its kind. All the intelligence and targeting information an F-35 pilot needs to complete the mission is displayed on the helmet’s visor.
General characteristics
- Prime Contractor: Lockheed Martin
- Power Plant: One Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine
- Thrust: 19,500 kg (43,000 lb)
- Wingspan: 10.7 meters (35 feet)
- Length: 15.7 meters (51 feet)
- Height: 4.38 meters (14 feet)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 70,000 lb class (31,751 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: Internal: 18,498 lb (8,391 kg)
- Armament: Internal and external capability. Munitions carried vary based on mission requirements.
- Crew: One
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.6 (~1,931 km/h) (~1,043 kts)
- Range: More than 2170 km with internal fuel (1,200 nmi)
- Payload: 8,160 kilograms (18,000 pounds)
- Ceiling: Above 50,000 feet (15 kilometers)