Sylvie Willis
The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft that has been the centre of much controversy. With a top speed of Mach 1.6, the F-35 has more than double the internal fuel capacity of the F-16, greatly improving its combat radius. The F-35A variant, for example, carries more than 18,000 pounds of internal fuel. However, the F-35 also burns 22 gallons of jet fuel per minute, making it a significant contributor to the US government's energy consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Capacity | More than 18,000 pounds of internal fuel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 0.416 nautical miles per gallon of jet fuel |
| Fuel Consumption | 22 gallons per minute |
| Ferry Range | 1,457 nautical miles |
| Fuel Type | Jet Fuel |
| Engine | Pratt & Whitney F135 low-bypass augmented turbofan |
| Thrust | 28,000 lbf (125 kN) at military power and 43,000 lbf (191 kN) with afterburner |
| Top Speed | Mach 1.6 (1,220 mph; 1,960 km/h) |
| First Flight | 2006 |
| First Introduced | F-35A in August 2016 and F-35C in February 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
The F-35A carries over 18,000 pounds of internal fuel
The F-35 is a Lockheed Martin combat aircraft designed for both air superiority and strike missions. The F-35A is the US Air Force's latest fifth-generation fighter, providing next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability. The F-35A carries over 18,000 pounds of internal fuel, which is more than two and a half times the capacity of the multirole fighters it replaces. This increased fuel capacity gives the F-35 a considerably greater combat radius, allowing it to support combat operations at longer ranges. The F-35's single-engine design and stealth capabilities further enhance its operational effectiveness and range.
The F-35A's fuel efficiency has been estimated at 0.416 nautical miles per gallon of jet fuel, which is lower than that of older jets such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II, which has a fuel efficiency of 0.731 nautical miles per gallon. However, it is important to note that modern fighter aircraft have more advanced technology and avionics, which contribute to their weight and fuel consumption. The F-35's Pratt & Whitney F135 engine provides good subsonic acceleration and energy, with a supersonic dash in afterburner capability.
The F-35A also has the ability to carry external fuel tanks for longer missions or ferry flights. These external tanks can provide an additional 600 gallons of fuel, further extending the aircraft's range. The F-35 can also utilise mid-air refuelling options, such as the KC-135 tanker, to extend its range and operational duration.
While the F-35A offers improved performance and capabilities compared to its predecessors, it has also faced criticism for its high fuel consumption and associated environmental impact. Each F-35 burns approximately 22 gallons of jet fuel per minute during training flights, and the fuel used by the F-35 is the single largest category of energy consumed by the US government and the Defense Department. The F-35 program has been criticised for diverting funds away from other critical areas such as healthcare, education, and clean energy initiatives.
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The F-35 burns 22 gallons of jet fuel per minute
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft that is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 low-bypass augmented turbofan engine. The F-35 burns 22 gallons of jet fuel per minute. This figure is based on calculations that assume a modest F-35 speed, straight and level flight, no afterburner use, and no combat training maneuvers that use a lot more fuel. The actual F-35 training flights, which include supersonic flight, afterburner use, high g-forces, takeoffs and landings, and combat maneuvers, will burn significantly more fuel.
The F-35 is designed for both air superiority and strike missions, and its performance exceeds that of the F-16, with improved stealth, range, and advanced avionics. The F-35 has a top speed of Mach 1.6 (1,220 mph or 1,960 km/h) and can fly at Mach 1.2 (913 mph or 1,470 km/h) with afterburners. Its large stabilizers, leading-edge extensions, flaps, and canted rudders provide excellent handling qualities and resistance to departure.
The F-35 has a significant internal fuel capacity, with the CTOL F-35A variant carrying more than 18,000 pounds of internal fuel, more than two and a half times that of the multirole fighters it replaces. The F-35 can also carry external fuel tanks, such as 600-gallon drop tanks, for extended range missions. The F-35's fuel efficiency has been estimated at 0.416 nautical miles per gallon of jet fuel, which is lower than that of older jets like the McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II, which has a fuel efficiency of 0.731 nautical miles per gallon.
The high fuel consumption of the F-35 contributes to its impact on the environment, with critics arguing that it promotes the expansion of the fossil fuel industry and increases greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the extreme noise generated by the F-35 during training flights has been cited as a non-lethal weapon of mass destruction, causing hearing damage, cognitive impairments, and negative effects on cardiovascular health.
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The F-35's fuel efficiency is 0.416 nautical miles per gallon
The F-35 is a Lockheed Martin combat aircraft designed for air superiority and strike missions. The F-35 first flew in 2006 and has been in service with the US Marine Corps since July 2015. The F-35A variant entered service with the US Air Force in August 2016, and the F-35C variant with the US Navy in February 2019. The F-35 has a top speed of Mach 1.6 (1,220 mph; 1,960 km/h) and can fly at Mach 1.2 (913 mph; 1,470 km/h) with afterburners. This capability can be useful in battlefield situations.
The F-35 has a large internal fuel capacity, carrying more than 18,000 pounds of fuel. This is more than two and a half times the internal fuel capacity of the legacy multirole fighters it replaced. The F-35 can also carry 600-gallon external drop tanks for ferry flights or missions that do not require a stealthy signature.
The F-35's fuel efficiency has been criticized for promoting the expansion of the fossil fuel industry and contributing to climate change. Each F-35 burns 22 gallons of jet fuel per minute during training flights, and actual combat missions will use even more fuel. The extreme noise of the F-35 has also been cited as a non-lethal weapon of mass destruction, damaging hearing and causing cognitive impairments.
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The F-35 has external fuel tanks for longer missions
The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft with a single-engine design and tremendous internal fuel capacity. The F-35A, for instance, carries more than 18,000 pounds of internal fuel, more than two and a half times that of the legacy multirole fighters it replaces. This gives the F-35 a considerably greater combat radius than its predecessor, the F-16.
However, the F-35 is not limited to internal fuel only. It can also carry external fuel tanks for longer missions or ferry flights. These external fuel tanks are typically 600-gallon drop tanks, although there is also talk of developing conformable tanks. While no F-35 customer has officially requested external fuel tank capability, Israel is reportedly developing external drop tanks for its F-35I Adir jets to complete long-range missions. This is because Israel considers the combat range to be one of the most important factors when adopting a fighter aircraft.
The integration of external fuel tanks on the F-35 presents some challenges. One concern is that exposing parts of the aircraft not covered by Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) could compromise its stealth capabilities. Another challenge is finding the right balance between structural loads and required aircraft performance, such as speed and range.
Despite these challenges, the development of external fuel tanks for the F-35 is ongoing, with Israel leading the way. This will further enhance the F-35's ability to support combat operations at longer ranges.
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The F-35's fuel tanks are vulnerable to lightning strikes
The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft with a single-engine design and tremendous internal fuel capacity. The F-35A, for example, carries more than 18,000 pounds of internal fuel, which is more than two and a half times the capacity of the legacy multirole fighters it replaces. The F-35's large stabilizers, leading edge extensions, flaps, and canted rudders provide excellent handling qualities and departure resistance.
Despite the F-35's advanced capabilities, testing has revealed vulnerabilities in its fuel tanks' susceptibility to lightning strikes. In 2013, it was reported that the F-35 was restricted from flying within 25 miles of a thunderstorm due to concerns that it could explode if struck by lightning. This restriction was implemented because the On-Board Inert Gas Generating System (OBIGGS) was unable to consistently maintain the required low fuel tank oxygen levels necessary to prevent fuel tank explosions. Lockheed Martin, the aircraft's manufacturer, has downplayed the issue, stating that the F-35, as a stealth aircraft, is inherently less vulnerable than fourth-generation fighters.
In August 2021, lightning struck an F-35A in mid-air, causing damage to the jet's canopy and body panels. This incident was classified as a Class B mishap, resulting in repair costs between $600,000 and $2.5 million. As of January 2022, F-35 units across the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have reported being hit by lightning 15 times, with each incident causing between $25,000 and $570,000 in repairs.
To address the vulnerability of the F-35's fuel tanks to lightning strikes, the Air Force has initiated upgrades to the F-35A variant. These upgrades involve modifying the Onboard Inert Gas Generation System (OBIGGS) to ensure that the fuel tanks remain non-reactive and do not explode when struck by lightning. Once the upgrades are completed, the F-35A is expected to resume unrestricted flight, no longer subject to the 25-nautical-mile restriction around lightning and thunderstorms.
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Frequently asked questions
The F-35 has a fuel capacity of more than 18,000 pounds of internal fuel.
The F-35 has over double the internal fuel capacity of the F-16.
The F-35 has a fuel efficiency of 0.416 nautical miles per gallon of jet fuel.
The McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II, a jet that was retired in 1996, has a fuel efficiency of 0.731 nautical miles per gallon, which is higher than that of the F-35.
The F-35 burns approximately 22 gallons of jet fuel per minute.
