The F-35B Joint Strike Fighter VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft has been in operation on the US Navy’s amphibious assault ships for many years, introducing an unparalleled capability to launch 5th generation aerial attacks from smaller ships without a runway. Fully operational, similar to the amphibious assault ships of the America-class. The F-35B is the most advanced among the three F-35 variants currently in use and requires unique engineering to achieve unprecedented heights in vertical glide and takeoff. F-35B: Specifications An extensive “LiftFan” is installed in the front of the center fuselage of an F-35B, positioned just behind the pilot, to provide immense downward force in the vertical direction. The data from Rolls Royce describes a “spiral dual-level gear arrangement” that transfers power from the main engine to the LiftFan. Together with the LiftFan, this power generates the downward thrust necessary for hovering and landing in a straight line. To maximize downward airflow, an F-35B features what appears to be a square door or opening on top of the fuselage, behind the pilot and above the lift fan.

Experts have broken down this tremendous force into four distinct steps that collaborate to propel the plane beyond the speed of sound. Both sides of the nose have air ducts that draw air into the engine. By compressing and igniting the air with gas, a controlled burst of flame is generated at the rear of the aircraft. This process produces a force that enables the jet to accelerate, maneuver, and achieve high speeds. Vertical takeoff In order to execute STOVL (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing), the LiftFan component of the F-35B’s LiftSystem operates perpendicular to the airflow over the aircraft, according to technical information released by Rolls Royce, the engine manufacturer for the F-35B. According to Rolls Royce, the LiftFan can function in gusts of up to 288 miles per hour.

The introduction of the F-35B brings unprecedented support for combat power projection in amphibious operations, as the America-class amphibious assault ships were specifically designed to enhance maritime air power projection capabilities. The inclusion of F-35B accommodations into the ship during its construction made it possible to launch an F-35B from America-class amphibious assault ships. Tactical advantages The incorporation of F-35B fighters and tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft for air power projection introduces new tactical advantages in amphibious operations, enabling unprecedented levels of close air support from the 5th generation F-35. Additional Ospreys can transport Marines to vital landing zones once a beachhead is secured through amphibious assault. The Osprey’s engagement radius of 450 nautical miles allows for greater standoff distances while still carrying equipment, personnel, and weapons for land-based amphibious operations. Moreover, the F-35B brings combat power to ship-to-shore offensives and provides a drone-like capability for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), which is typically only achievable with larger aircraft. The F-35B’s sensor suite has the potential to significantly expand the battlefield for any strike mission, particularly when operating in conjunction with other aircraft. The F-35B surpasses its foreign counterparts.

Furthermore, the F-35B is already in significant numbers and is in an advanced stage of operational maturity, potentially giving it an advantage over its Chinese counterparts in terms of building air squadrons or large numbers of fifth-tier strike formations. During the initial operations of the F-35B, the Navy identified the need for structural modifications to ensure successful takeoff and landing of the 5th generation aircraft from the deck of the USS America. Specifically, the flight deck required additional anti-slip materials to withstand the heat generated during F-35B vertical takeoff and landing. Reinforced structures were also added at various locations below the deck as part of this adjustment. The non-slip material is designed to protect the flight deck from damage during takeoff and landing. Following a series of flights from Tripoli, the F-35B received its fixed-wing certification. Revolutionizing amphibious warfare With its stealth technology, high-powered computing, and drone-like detection capabilities, the F-35B is set to revolutionize amphibious combat. Looking ahead, amphibious warfare is expected to undergo significant changes in the coming years as new technologies continue to shape operational concepts. Attacks are less likely to be linear on the beach, similar to the US Marine attack on Iwo Jima, but rather dispersed and scattered, facilitated by long-range sensors and precision weapons. The introduction of the F-35B provides amphibious operations with stealthy close air support for the first time in history.

Support from F-35B aircraft enables amphibious operations to move forward with precision fire from F-35 guns, air-to-air missiles, precision ground attacks, and even longer-range air-dropped bombs, instead of relying solely on suppressive fire from deck-mounted ship guns. The F-35s can neutralize entrenched ground-based guns intended to fire on attacking forces from the ocean and locate and destroy enemy land-based missile launchers. This type of multi-domain amphibious assault significantly increases the chances of establishing and protecting a beachhead for a coastal attack. China seeks a rival for the F-35B. Despite reports that China is rapidly developing a carrier-launched variant of its fifth-generation J-31 aircraft to compete with the F-35B and F-35C in terms of maritime power projection, it currently appears that China’s armed forces do not possess or are not developing a vertical takeoff capability.