X-35 JSF

Elements of the F-35 design were pioneered by the F-22 Raptor. The F-35 appears to be a trimmer and sleeker one-engine sibling of the two-engine F-22. The exhaust duct design was inspired by the General Dynamics Model 200, a 1972 VTOL aircraft designed for the Sea Control Ship. Lockheed had a teaming relationship with the Yakovlev Design Bureau on their bid for the Joint Advanced Strike Technology competition. This has fueled speculation that the overall design of the F-35 was heavily influenced by the Yak-141, however, the two aircraft are very different.

Stealth technology makes the aircraft hard to detect as it approaches short-range tracking, although its rear is much more easily spotted, because of the circular unshielded exhaust nozzle.

Some specific improvements over current-generation fighter aircraft are:

* Durable, low-maintenance stealth technology;
* Integrated avionics and sensor fusion that combine information from off- and onboard sensors to increase the pilot's situational awareness and improve identification and weapon delivery, and to relay information quickly to other command and control (C2) nodes;
* Low life-cycle costs.

Although helmet-mounted display systems have already been integrated into some fourth-generation fighters like the Swedish-manufactured JAS 39 Gripen, the F-35 will be the first modern combat aircraft in which helmet-mounted displays will replace a heads-up display altogether.

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