« Back to Blog

Picture of the Weekend, J-35C "Lightning II"

Waring Hills Nov 20, 2010

The first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, the U.S. Navy's first stealth fighter, arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2:37 p.m. (Photo credit Lockheed Martin)

Here is the “Lightning II” piloted by David “Doc” Nelson. The “Lightning II” departed Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base and achieved successful air refuels at a maximum load of 19,800 pounds during the flight. At Patuxent River, the F-35C will conduct air-to-air refueling and performance testing.

Most naval aircraft eventually get a “real nickname,” not the one given to it by the manufacturer or the government…for example, the E-2C Hawkeye is known as the “Hummer” (due to turboprop noises), the F-14 Tomcat was Turkey (due to its look as is goes vertical at slow speeds), etc. I am wondering what the F-35 real nickname will become one day…time will tell!

I will do a serious blog on the “Lightning” sometime in December, but if you want more info now…Read more about the “Lightning II” here at the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) web site…

Rollout of the "C" variant, an appropriate letter since it will land on carriers (Photo credit Lockheed Martin).

« Previous Post

Antiaircraft Gunfire Director - The Mark 19

Next Post »

First combat air patrol 1917

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

  • Active Duty / Retired Military (ID required)
  • $19
  • In Person
  • Active Duty Military In Uniform
  • Free
  • In Person
  • Veterans / Teachers / First Responders
  • $21
  • In Person

COVID-19 Notice

Due to health safety measures related to COVID-19, structured, in-person education programs have been suspended. Please consider booking a guided or self-guided tour for your group.

More Information

COVID-19 Notice

Due to health safety measures related to COVID-19, our overnight camping program has been suspended. Please consider joining our exclusive list to be among the first to learn when the program relaunches.

Interested in booking a day group visit to see our museum? Discounted rates for 10+ people.

More Information