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The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.
The original order for the IAF F-35I Adir (Hebrew - Mighty One) was 50 aircraft but that was changed and the final number would be 18 aircraft per squadron. The 140th “Golden Eagle” Squadron was established in late 1969 and equipped with F-16A/B aircraft prior to receiving their first F-35I. The squadron operates from Nevatim AB long with the 116th “The Lions of the South” Squadron. The first two F-35Is arrived on December 12, 2016 and F-35I Adir 15-5231 (MSN AS-14) arrived on November 20, 2018. |