F-35 Lighting II With Open Weapons Bays

The F-35 Lighting II, with open weapons bay during a recent test flight
Photo source: Lockheed Martin
» Click here to view all F-35 Lightning II photos

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter originated in the early 1990s through the restructure and integration of several DoD tactical aircraft and technology initiatives already underway. The DoD's goal was to use the latest technology in a common family of aircraft to meet the future strike requirements of the Services and US Allies.
On July 7 2006 the F-35 fighter was officially named "Lightning II"