The F-35 Fighter is known for its advanced stealth capabilities as a fifth-generation aircraft, but this fighter bomber can be extremely deadly in “Beast Mode.”
The F-35 fighter jet can take out multiple targets in just seconds with over ten different missiles and bombs. This capability shows that the F-35 is not just a stealth fighter – it’s a true beast when it comes to combat.
The F-35 in ‘Beast Mode’
The F-35 fighter was designed to be a versatile platform, adaptable to various scenarios. In most operations, stealth is the best choice…. But, there are times when being noticed and just wreaking havoc is exactly what is needed.
That’s where “beast mode” comes in. By loading up on external munitions, the F-35 can transform from a stealthy infiltrator to an actual flying nightmare.
In beast mode, the F-35 fighter load up munitions on its external weapons pylons, boosting its total ordnance from a mere 5,700 pounds to an impressive 22,000 pounds.
Of course, the beast mode is used when the air force gains air supremacy, and there’s no issue with being detected by the enemy radars.
F-35 armament
The F-35 is capable of carrying at least ten weapons, four internally and six externally, making it a powerful asset in both air and ground combat operations.
It is armed with air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles and precision-guided bombs. However, the configuration of missiles and bombs would depend on the mission.
F-35 Stealth fighters dropping Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System laser guided bombs.
— Defense News Nigeria (@DefenseNigeria) September 17, 2020
The Nigerian Air Force will be receiving 200 of these Paveway II laser-guided bomb tailkits as part of the A-29 deal. It’s one of the most sophisticated smart munition in the world. pic.twitter.com/bZl0cjU9bG
Its primary weapon is the AIM-120 air-to-air missile, which is highly effective against enemy aircraft.
#TBT: Take a quick look back at the first AIM-120 missile fired from a @Luftforsvaret F-35A earlier this year. It was the first test of its kind with the F-35 in Norwegian airspace. The Royal Norwegian Air Force also received three new F-35s in September, 2019.@Kampfly_no pic.twitter.com/fEbzTD9t7T
— F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (@theF35JPO) October 10, 2019
The F-35 fighter can also carry the AIM-9X air-to-air missile, which is designed to engage targets at close range.
For ground attacks, the F-35 can carry the GBU-12 laser-guided bomb, the GBU-32 JDAM-guided bomb, and the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon.
In addition, the F-35 is armed with a 25mm GAU-22/A four-barrel rotary cannon… And since 2024, it will be able to carry nuclear bombs, and it will probably carry hypersonic missiles and a solid-state laser in the near future.
F-35 cannon test#F35 pic.twitter.com/JX8NK0RD8B
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝔇𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔠𝔱 (@TheDeadDistrict) June 28, 2020
The F-35 fighter is also equipped with an external fuel tank and cannon for close air support missions. In addition, the aircraft has several sensors and electronic warfare systems that allow it to detect and track enemy targets.
The F-35 fighter jet is more than a stealth aircraft – it can be a lethal weapon for attack operations
The F-35 was built to enter enemy airspace undetected. However, it has top attack capabilities and can take down any fighter jet worldwide.
So, whether stealthily infiltrating enemy territory or unleashing all 22,000 pounds of ordnance on its targets, the F-35 is more than up for the task and is ready to be deployed in war zones to show what it is capable of.
Feature image credit: US Marine Corps by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz. Public Domain.
Mario Samuel Camacho
Mario Samuel Camacho is a full-time copywriter and content writer. For the past 5 years, Mario has been constantly learning in a quest to better himself and those around him.
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