Guy Fawkes Day update - #napodpomo21

·5 min

In this solo episode, Mike Dell provides an overview of the F-35 Lightning II, starting with its Wikipedia description as a stealth multi-role combat aircraft. He argues against its multi-role approach, using analogies like Swiss Army knives to suggest specialized tools are better. Mike details the three F-35 variants: the A model for conventional takeoff, the B for short takeoff and vertical landing, and the C for carrier operations. He mentions operational dates, such as the B model entering service in 2015 and the A in 2016. Mike shares personal experiences from his time at Eglin Air Force Base, where he encountered early F-22 testing. He discusses fighter pilot rivalries, noting nicknames like 'Fat Amy' for the F-35 and 'Viper' for the F-16. Mike compares the F-35 to historical aircraft, including the F-111, which he plans to cover next week. He touches on the F-35's cost and production, with 720 aircraft built and orders extending to 2044. The episode also briefly mentions the F-117 stealth fighter's storage and the B-52's longevity. Mike concludes by previewing tomorrow's topic on ham radio nets, specifically the Sunday morning social hour on 75 meters.

As heard by us

A conversational aircraft tour built around missions, variants, and the reputations that follow them.

Mike Dell's World frames the F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, through the question of what military aircraft are built to do.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Want an F-35 Lightning II primer that wanders through Warthogs, Vipers, Eagles, Bombcats, and Sunday ham-radio plans?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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