In order to fully appreciate the tremendous leap ahead in capabilities that the F-35 will bring its essential to understand the origins of the program.
Two websites give the best overview.
JSF.mil and
Aerospace Website.
On JSF, its recommended that you take a few minutes and read the ENTIRE history of the program...including pre-JAST info. On Aerospace, I suggest you look at all galleries and examine the different concepts that were proposed for each program. I can't imagine the frustration for designers to work on designs only to see them scrapped and a new program started.
One thing can't be denied. Work has been going on since the 1990's to replace the F-16, F-18, A-10 and Harrier.
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| Advanced Short Take-Off/Vertical Landing (ASTOVL) 1983-1994 |
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| Advanced Tactical Aircraft (ATA) 1983-1991 |
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| Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) 1994-1996 |
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| Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) 1994-1996 |
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| Advanced/Fighter-Attack (A/F-X) 1992-1993 |
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| Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) 1990-1993 |
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| Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) 1990-1993 |
