The American fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter can be converted into a maneuverable bomber. In a configuration called "beast mode", the aircraft can carry four times as much ammunition. Columnist Harrison Cass in the publication 19FortyFive spoke about the use of the F-35 as a bomber.
An inconspicuous F-35 can enter contested airspace to defeat enemy targets. To reduce the visibility of the aircraft, F-35 ammunition is placed in an internal compartment, which limits the arsenal of weapons used. The aircraft can carry four AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to–air missiles or two GBU-31 JDAM missiles and two bombs.
"However, as soon as air superiority is established, as soon as the enemy loses its anti-aircraft systems, such as missiles and air defense guns, radars, interceptor aircraft, the stealth mode becomes less relevant," writes Kass. After that, the aircraft can switch to the "beast mode" and carry weapons on the external suspension points.
It is noted that in this mode, the F-35 can carry almost 10 tons of combat load. This allows the aircraft to be equipped with 14 AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles or JDAM missiles and bombs. At the same time, the range of the aircraft is reduced to 1400 kilometers.
Earlier, Defense News reported that Pratt & Whitney has entered into an agreement with the US Department of Defense to produce 250 F135 engines for F-35 Lightning II fighters.
