JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

A Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Tribute

DEVELOPED BY

THE JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER DEVELOPMENT TEAM (JSFDT)

&

EXPLORATION OUT INDUSTIES (EOI)

FOR X-PLANE 11.41+

Written By:
Michael Seng & Troopie

2020
 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Disclaimer & Issue Reports 2

Acknowledgements 3
Helpful Stuff 4
Joint Strike Fighter Package Elements 5

SCHOOL HOUSE: ABOUT THE F-35A

 Specs & Public Data 6

SCHOOL HOUSE: BASIC FLIGHT SCHOOL

 Simulator Set-Up & Flight Configuration 8

 Simulator Pre-Flight Set Up 9
 Special Customization for Frame Rate Improvement 10
 External Elements Guide 11-13
 Cockpit Guide / Cold Start-Up / Terminology
o Left Lower Control Panel / Cold Start-Up 14
o Forward Control Panels 15

o Right Lower Control Panel 16

o Panoramic Cockpit Display
 Primary Reference Display 17
 G1000 Familiarization 18
 EFIS Familiarization 19-20
o Ejection Seat 21
Helmet Mounted Display
o About the HMD 22
o Symbology 23
o Set Up & Adjustment 24
o FCAM / DAS 25
 Flight Operations: Systems Comprehension
o Introduction to Basic Flight 26-27
o Taxi, Take-Off, & Post Take Off 27
o Advanced Flight 28-29
 Combat
o Intro to Combat Systems 30-31
o Customized Weapons 32-34
o Air to Air Combat 35
o Air to Surface Combat 37
o Stealth Configuration 38
 Myth-Busting 39

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DISCLAIMER

The F-35A Lightning II JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER (JSF) for X-Plane 11 is provided as
freeware and is intended for personal use under the X-Plane 11 platform only. At no time should
any aspect of the JSF be shared, altered, or redistributed, by any other party, without first
obtaining prior written consent from EOI. The JSF does not qualify as study level material for
any type of military or commercial use, nor is this product permitted to be distributed for any
kind of profit by ourselves or any other party. EOI and JSFDT are not affiliated with any
government, military agency, or defense contractors. EOI and the JSFDT do not claim to own
any of the ideas or creations of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. As such, we do not
accept monetary or trade compensation for the JSF project. Additionally, all elements of the JSF
are developed based on public declassified public data and our own artistic liberty. At no point
has anyone, or should anyone, who is affiliated with our project seek to obtain classified material
in relation to F-35A design and operations. Our goal is to simply provide a fun simulation that
represents out interpretations of the visual and flight aspects of the F-35A. Third party freeware
livery creation for this project is permitted and encouraged.

All avionics systems were developed by Laminar Research. While we have modified the
appearance of many of these systems, we cannot guarantee their functionality across all
hardware and software platforms. If you are having an issue and are unsure of whether or not it
is related to our project or X-Plane 11 design, please go to the Joint Strike Fighter forum
hyperlinked below and ask us.

JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER SUPPORT FORUM

FOR TROUBLESHOOTING THAT REQUIRES OFFICIAL X-PLANE SUPORT PLEASE

VISIT THE HYPERLINK BELOW:

OFFICIAL X-PLANE 11 SUPPORT PAGE

The JSF project produced by Exploration Out Industries (EOI) is not an accurate study level
depiction of real F-35 A aircraft. A leading factor for differences is that this model operates with
basic stock systems provided by XP 11 that were not intended to reproduce fifth generation
combat aircraft. It is with great hope that more accurate avionics will be included in future for
better representation of the real F-35 A.

While the JSF package includes combat features such as weapons, please remember that X-Plane
11 was designed for commercial and general aviation flight. EOI has produced this model mostly
for recreational flight and asks that you the user please not have high expectations for the combat
features. In other words, just go fly around and have fun; do some aerobatics and see what this
bird can accomplish!

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 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PROJECT DEVELOPERS

Michael Seng: (EOI) Project Lead. Research & Planning, Flight Model Design & Functions, 3D
Model, Paint, FMOD (Sound development)
Troopie: (JSFDT) Project Lead. Research & Planning, Code Development (Makes things
work).

Dom Henry: (JSFDT) Primary FMOD sound development.

Past Work on previous JSF model: Research & Planning, Livery Paint (previous
models / external add-ons), Primary FMOD sound development

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTERS

Nasa_Test_Pilot: Testing Consultant & Weapons Design

FLSM (Frank): Testing Consultant
Renanls: Testing Consultant
Gulfman650: Testing Consultant
Built_To_Last: Engineering Consultant
Runway_01: Design & Idea Consultant
Captain Victor: Engineering Consultant
Nils: Code Development (Not included with this project yet)
Tinmouse of Reaction Review: YouTube Simulation Review

This project might not have been possible with the wonderful contributions by the following:

Dan Klaue. https://www.youtube.com/user/danklaue/featured

Blender Guru. https://www.youtube.com/user/AndrewPPrice

And of course, to Laminar Research, Xplane.org, Blender, Xplane2blender, FMOD, and Gimp
for providing amazing engineering and artistic platforms.

Also, a big thank you to the SASL team for their awesome SASLfree plugin, which we use to
facilitate our scripts. https://www.1-sim.com/

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 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

Helpful Stuff

JSF DOWNLOAD: https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/47996-joint-strike-fighter/

Michael Seng’s EOI MEMBER PAGE: https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/profile/610614-

exploration-out-industries/

Michael Seng’s EOI YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVtcfb4e4mobAiaUvuDzJOw

3d & Planemaker tutorials:

Danklaue. https://www.youtube.com/user/danklaue/featured
Blender Guru. https://www.youtube.com/user/AndrewPPrice

Blender:
https://www.blender.org
GIMP:
https://www.gimp.org
Xplane2blender:
https://github.com/der-On
XP Developer:
https://developer.x-plane.com
FMOD:
https://www.fmod.com
FlyWithLua by X-Friese – for running certain addons:
https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/38445-flywithlua-ng-next-generation-edition-for-
x-plane-11-win-lin-mac/
Planemaker Manual:
https://developer.x-plane.com/manuals/planemaker/#modifyingtheappearanceofanaircraft
FlyAgi Tweak Utility (For computers that struggle)
https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/47301-flyagi-tweak-utility/

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INCLUDED JSF PACKAGE ITEMS

 F-35A Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter (All elements are incorporated into one jet now!)
o Stealth Mode
o External Stores modes (light & heavy)
o Test Flight Configuration objects

 User Manual

 (JSF) A.I. Model (OLDER VERSION- has some issues)

 (JSF) Static Scenery Model

 Paint Kit for Livery Development (Will be provided in future updates)

 Various Liveries (Will be provided in future updates)

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 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

SCHOOL HOUSE
Don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself where our design theory originates.

Aircraft Specs at a Quick Glance Please note that some of the information that is found at the
below link appears to be provided solely as quick reference and may not be precise. Upon
further inspection you may find more exact data from specific manufacturers. Example: The F-
35 page lists the F135 Engine as 40,000lbs max thrust, however the company Pratt & Whitney
that makes the engine rates it at 43,000 lbs. See the following link as an example, and then
review additional links that are provided.
https://a855196877272cb14560-
2a4fa819a63ddcc0c289f9457bc3ebab.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/13537/fg15-1280_001_f-
35a_pc_final.pdf

***OFFICIAL WEBSITES***
Please do not search for or request any classified documents EVER!!! You will be held liable by the U.S. Government and or other participating
F-35 governments and you may be charged with a crime, fined, and or imprisoned. F-35 Flight Simulation Research for the X-Plane 11 Joint
Strike Fighter Development Team is purely for educational, historical, and recreational purposes only. Research into combat systems and or
tactics beyond publicly released information should be avoided for everyone’s wellbeing. Don’t believe me? Have a look at the incident with
the DCS employee who was arrested and confined to jail for attempting to obtain F-16 flight manuals.

Lockheed Martin: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/index.html

F-35 Official: https://www.f35.com

U.S.A.F. F-35 Official: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/478441/f-35a-

lightning-ii-conventional-takeoff-and-landing-variant/

Pratt & Whitney F135 Engine: https://www.pw.utc.com/products-and-

services/products/military-engines/f135

Manufacturers List: http://www.airframer.com/aircraft_detail.html?model=F-35_JSF

Strategic Analysis: https://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2017/pdf/dod/2017f35jsf.pdf

Panoramic Cockpit Display: http://www.driven-technologies.com/simulated-flat-panel-

displays/simulated-military-displays/f-35-simulated-displays/f-35-panoramic-cockpit-display-
pcd.html

Electrical Systems: https://www.safety.marines.mil/Portals/92/Docs/Agenda Item 7 - Saft

Safety in Li-ion Sec Def (final).pdf

Throttle / Stick / Rudder Pedals (Simulated): https://www.bugeyetech.com/simulatedf-

35controls

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 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

SCHOOL HOUSE

RockwellCollins HMD: https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Products-and-

Services/Defense/Avionics/Displays-and-Controls/Helmet-Mounted-Displays/F-35-Gen-III-
Helmet-Mounted-Display-System.aspx

BAE Systems https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/product/striker-ii-digital-helmet-mounted-

display
***UN-OFFICIAL SITES***
Information may have inaccuracies

Air Force Magazine Info:

http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2012/November 2012/1112fighter.aspx

Electrical Systems 1: https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/defense/article/10943391/how-to-

supply-power-and-air-for-the-f35

Electrical Systems 2: https://www.quora.com/The-F-35-uses-a-270v-DC-supply-on-ground-Is-

this-standard-for-systems-in-flight-and-what-is-the-peak-power-output-of-a-power-plant-in-
flight

Loadouts for Weight Variables: http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/planes/q0163.shtml

EOTS: https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/the-electro-optical-targeting-system-eots-electro-
optical-distributed-aparture-system-eodas.472665/

Overheating issues of the F-35 B and C: https://www.quora.com/Why-does-the-US-Air-Forces-

F-35-stealth-fighter-have-heat-issues-when-flying-supersonic-and-whats-overheating

Scale Model Build Review: https://www.scalespot.com/onthebench/f35a-meng/build.htm

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X-PLANE SIMULATOR SET-UP

3 4 5
2 ç ç ç
1 ç

1) Go to SETTINGS
2) Optional: You may need to make adjustments to the FLIGHT MODELS PER FRAME
depending on your computer’s capabilities. (Resolves issues with skidding when parked)
3) Optional: Go to DATA OUTPUT To get any screen readouts that the HMD doesn’t
provide such as “Throttle Commanded.”

4 5
ç ç
6
ç

4) Optional: Under Joystick settings it can be helpful to set response and stability to suit
individual preference on handling. However, the aircraft stability has been developed on
the Gladiator MK II joystick with default control sensitivity and doesn’t require any
additional input outside of user preference. It is also advisable to set up the elevator trim

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 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

functions, weapons fire functions, throttle functions, etc.…, on your keyboard, joystick,
or HOTAS set-up.
5) Again, go to “Keyboard” to set up and keyboard functions you may want to use in a
manner that works for you.
6) Optional: Make sure to review our custom commands so that you may add keyboard
functions to account for things like turning on / off our HMD. Additionally, if you want
to set up key functions for the Panoramic Cockpit Display screens, scroll down to
Operation / Sliders and establish a key for any of the sliders 1-4.

X-PLANE PRE-FLIGHT SET-UP

 Fuel defaults to FULL and Payload to 300 lbs. on start up.

 Before the plane is loaded ignore these settings as they default to predetermined values.
Once the jet is fully loaded you may return to this screen if you want to manually change
the fuel and payload weights.
 External Fuel tanks are not a thing for the F-35. All fuel is internal. Supportive Evidence.

 Weapons set-up is found on this screen. Is discussed later on in the INTRO TO

COMBAT section.

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 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

Click the default button for additional livery options. The model released in January of 2020
does not ship with any additional liveries and will be included later on with future updates. To
install liveries, simply copy and past downloaded livery package into the folder titled (liveries).

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 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER

SPECIAL CUSTOMIZATION: For smoother FPS

Let’s be honest, we built this aircraft for looks and functions in mind, and that can have a costly
impact on computer systems that struggle to operate X-Plane 11. Therefore, we have created
options that you will be guided through to help decrease the burden on your processors should
you need.

All of the following are found in the “HD / LD PACKAGE” folder that comes as a separate
download

By default, the F-35 ships with 4k textures which uses a lot of processing power. We have
provided a file that include 2K textures for any issues with frames per second (FPS). Simply
replace the 4K textures found in the “objects” folder with the 2K textures (LD Textures). You
can also replace individual textures and not the entire batch if desired. If you decide you want to
return to 4K textures, we provided extras for those as well; so, you don’t need to re-download
anything.

Also know that not every situation requires that every texture be replaced. For example, the
following two textures have a significant impact on performance. Replacing only a couple of
textures may be all that is needed. Additionally, if there are two textures that look different but
have a similar name, they are intertwined and must be updated equally for the image properties
to work properly.

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EXTERNAL ELEMENTS GUIDE

TOP DOWN VIEW

10

1a 1b 3 9

2 5

4 7 8

6
1a & 1b: Topside Forward and Rear cameras / sensors
2: Internal Cannon Bay
3: Air Refueling Port Bay
4: Leading Edge Flaps (slats)
5: Upper Radar Enhancers
6: Navigation and Strobe Lights
7: Flaperons: Aileron and Flap combination that works in tandem with the elevators.
8: Horizontal Stabilators: work in tandem with flaperons.
9: Trust
10: Air Intake for systems cooling

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EXTERNAL ELEMENTS GUIDE: continued

SIDE VIEW

8b
11

12

6a 6b

1 9a
3 5
2 7 8a 9b
10
4

1: Forward Radar / and Sensor Array

2: Pitot Sensors and Radar Cooling Vents
3: Side DAS Camera
4: EOTS https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-35-lightning-ii-eots.html
5: Boarding Ladder Bay
6a: Cockpit Canopy
6b: Explosive Charges (White element lining canopy for separation of canopy glass during
ejection)
7: Air Inlet
8a/b: Formation Lights
9a: Cannon Bay Door
9b: Cannon Bay Exhaust
10: Cannon Ammunition Loading Port
11: Vertical Stabilizers & Rudders
12: Antennae sensors (Little white geometric shapes)

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EXTERNAL ELEMENTS: guide continued

BOTTOM VIEW

7
6a
4a
3a 8a 8b
1 2 9 10
3b 11
4b
6b
5

1: Forward Landing Gear Bay

2: Bottom-Side Forward and Rear Cameras
3a/b: Internal Weapons Bays
4a/b: Aft Landing Gear Bays
5: Pylon Mounting Points
6a/b: Air Cooling Intakes
7: Cooling Vents (All of the black diamond and triangular shapes).\
8a: Integrated Power Package (IPP) Air Intake Door
8b: IPP Exhaust Port
9: Bottom-Side Radar Enhancers
10: Emergency Arresting Hook (In Reality this is for emergency arresting cables
found at military airstrips – Not aircraft carriers!)
11: Flares Bay

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COCKPIT INSTRUMENT GUIDE

7
6

13
3
4
12 9 5
2 1 14
8
10
11

Please note that some switches / knobs are not functional and are simply there for image
accuracy. Turning on “Clickable Regions” in the sim will help you establish active controls.

LOWER LEFT-HAND PANEL switches / buttons are labeled in cold start-up order.
1) 270VDC Battery Power
2) Strobe Light (turn on to signal start-up warning)
3) Integrated Power Package (IPP) It’s like an APU, just flip it to the right and look for a
green light to appear next to it once the motor has spooled up.
4) IPP Generator power (Turn on once the green light appears)
5) Avionic Switch will provide power to the Panoramic Cockpit Display & Helmet
Mounted Display.
6) Fuel Switch and Red Housing Cover (RHC). Flip the RHC forward to prevent accidental
fuel switch shut off.
7) Starter button. Press this once for engine start up.
8) Once the N1 has stabilized above 30% turn on the first Generator
9) Same as above – then turn off the IPP Gen – then turn off the IPP
10) Instrument lighting
11) Taxi lighting
12) Navigation lighting
13) Throttle
14) Hi / Lo idle switch: flip to “high” for quicker N1 achievement on startup

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COCKPIT INSTRUMENT GUIDE

The FCS / ENG Reset button simply resets the elevator trim. The rudder trim switch
is nonfunctional at this time.
7 8 9 10 11 12
3

4 13
1 14 15 17 22
16
6
18 19 20 21
23
5
2
6

1) Fuel Dump
2) Wheel Brake / Parking Brake
3) Emergency Arresting Hook (Not for Aircraft Carriers- Fighter / Attack aircraft have these
for arresting cables that are built into military landing strips for emergencies should the
brakes fail).
4) Landing Gear Handle
5) Emergency Gear Pump (sometimes is works- sometimes it doesn’t)
6) Landing Lights
7) HMD Brightness (under development)
8) Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) On / Off
9) Night Vision
10) Video Record button (use sparingly as the files are big – found in XP Output folder).
11) Multi-function Display (MFD) or Panoramic Cockpit Display (PCD) brightness
12) Camera Screen
13) Air to Air selection
14) Air to Ground / Air to Air selection
15) Cannon Select
16) Master Arm
17) Secondary Flight Display (SFD)
18) Open / Close Cannon Door, Open / Close Weapons Bay doors, and Exterior Formation
Lighting
19) Rearm Weapons, Refuel, GPS Ground Target Lock
20) Air to Air target lock and cycle, Cancel Air to Air lock
21) Forward Camera, Digital Aperture System (cameras that allow look through plane
capabilities)
22) In Air Refuel Doors
23) Advanced Flight Control (Toggles the flaperons with elevator deflection)

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COCKPIT INSTRUMENT GUIDE

5
1 4

1) Flight Stick
2) Emergency Canopy Release (To be developed later)
3) Canopy Open / Close toggle switch
4) Arm Rest (To be developed later)
5) Transponder
6) Magic Box
7)

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PANORAMIC COCKPIT DISPLAY

PRIMARY REFERNCE DISPLAY

1 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11
8 1
7
1) N1
2) 2) Radio Altitude, Mach, True Air Speed, Ground Speed
3) Elevator Trim manual control and gauge
4) Flaperon flap deflection level 0-25 degrees.
5) Landing Gear Deployment Status
6) Speed Brakes (Not visible until activated)
7) Wheel Brakes
8) Integrated Caution and Warnings (ICAWS)
9) Screen Selection (Select any of the 4 buttons to choose a screen and they will highlight with an “X” when
activated)
10) Gravity Force Indicator
11) Glide Scope Indicator

ENGINES / AUTOPILOT
14 15
12 13 16 17 18 19 20 21
22
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
22
23
32 33 34 35

12) Afterburner On / Off switch

13) Afterburner 50 % switch
14) Fuel Quantity in pounds
15) Autopilot (Will activate pitch hold automatically)
16) Autopilot Pitch hold
17) Autopilot Terrain Follow
18) Autopilot Engage VOR / Localizer
19) Autopilot Approach Mode
20) Autopilot Air Speed / Mach toggle for auto throttle
21) Autopilot Engage Glideslope
22) Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) Turn off to get a slightly extra boost
23) Flight Director On / Off.
24) Autopilot Altitude Hold
25) Autopilot Altitude Setting for altitude target
26) Autopilot Heading Select
27) Autopilot Heading Setting for heading target
28) Autopilot Auto Throttle (Select this button first and then the Flight Director to use)
29) Autopilot Auto Throttle Speed Select in either Air Speed or Mach.
30) Autopilot Vertical Speed (Select this button first and then use the Vertical Speed Target Select)
31) Autopilot Vertical Speed Target Select
32) Autopilot Altitude Target
33) Autopilot Heading Target
34) Autopilot Speed Target
35) Autopilot Vertical Speed Target

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PANORAMIC COCKPIT DISPLAY

DEFAULT G1000 SCREENS LEFT AND RIGHT

When it comes to describing how to use the G1000, even if I could… I wouldn’t. There is a lot of information.
Therefor:

THE G1000 THAT COMES WITH THIS F-35 PACKAGE IS THE X-PLANE 11 STOCK INSTRUMENT. IT
WAS CREATED AND PROVIDED BY LAMINAR RESEARCH AND THE ONLY THING THAT EOI HAS
DONE IS CHANGED ITS APPEARANCE.

IF A FUNCTION OF THE G1000 DOES NOT WORK FOR YOU, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT
THE PROBLEM TO LAMNIAR RESEARCH NOT EOI.

IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF E.O.I. TO PROBLEMSOLVE, REPORT, OR FIX ANY G1000 BUGS
FOUND BY OTHER USERS.

As I cannot dedicate time to explain how to use the G1000, I would at least like to provide some instructional
resources for those who seek to learn. Also note that the G1000 autopilot features may be used in conjunction with
the autopilot buttons found in the top right-hand corner of the PCD.

THE COMPLETE USER MANUAL BY LAMINAR RESEARCH:

http://x-plane.com/manuals/G1000_Manual.pdf

BIGGINER TUTORIAL VIDEOS BY REACTION REVIEW:

1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeDJIhL0Pb4
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhfyrgS1Wl8
PHILIPP RINGLER – COMMERCIAL DEVELOPER
1) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgkAYGe5a56RbnwYXFC1p6w
OTHER G1OOO TUTORIALS
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED0-l4nKj-A
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQz7xaW05fU
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXeDbXg01Zk

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PANORAMIC COCKPIT DISPLAY

ELECTRONIC FLIGHT INSTRUMENT SYSTEM (EFIS)

1 2 3 12.a 12.b
15 16 17 18 19
4 5 12.c
12 13
20
12.d
21 22 23
6 22

14 24 25
26
7 8
27
9 10 11
1
1) Map: Airport display toggle
2) Map: Traffic Collision Avoidance System toggle
3) Map: Fixes display toggle
4) Map: Wind info
5) Map: GPS Destination info
6) Map: Map
7) Map: Zoom in / out
8) Map: Mode select
9) Map: NDB display toggle
10) Map: VOR display toggle
11) Map: Weather Display toggle
12) Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) PLEASE CHECK ECAM NOTES ON PAGE 21
a. N1
b. N2
c. Mode Select
d. Left to Right: 1) Engine Pressure Ratio 2) Inlet Turbine Temperature 3) Cylinder Head Temperature 4) Exhaust Gas
Temperature
13) Center of Gravity (CG)
14) Rudder / Flaperon / Trim display / controls
15) Secondary Flight Display
16) Emergency Flaperon flap function pump
17) Taxi Light Toggle
18) Landing Light Toggle
19) Emergency Gear Pump
20) Cannon ammunition display
21) Navigation Light Toggle
22) Weapons Loadout Screen
23) Strobe Light Toggle
24) Flares Loadout
25) Chaff Loadout (does not currently function)
26) Emergency Extinguish Engine Fire (Use of this will disable all engine functions)
27) Dump Fuel Toggle

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PANORAMIC COCKPIT DISPLAY

ELECTRONIC FLIGHT INSTRUMENT SYSTEM (EFIS)

1
9
2 3
4 5
6 7
8

1) Annunciator Test button

2) Instrument Brightness
3) Flood Brightness
4) Master Artificial Stability (ArtStab) Toggle (Sometime bad weather can be aided in turning these off if not
advanced maneuvers are expected.
5) Yaw Dampener
6) ArtStab: Elevators
7) ArtStab: Flaperons
8) De-Ice all systems
9) Tactical Camera (Default is off to save FPS hit to processing power)

ECAM NOTES

1
2

1) FUEL selection provides:

a. Total fuel weight in pounds
b. Fuel flow in pounds per hour PPH
c. Endurance gives a time estimate of how long your fuel will last based on consumption rates.
d. Maximum Range based on throttle level / Afterburner use
e. Overall weight to include weapons and any added weight in the setting menu. On startup, fuel
weight defaults to maximum and added weight defaults to 300 lbs. These values can be changed
once the flight is loaded.
2) FAIL selection provides a list of primary systems and will notify you if there are any failures in these
systems. The G1000 and ICAWS will also provide certain failure information.

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THE EJECTION SEAT

By default, the ejection seat is not armed, and the pull handle will be lying flat so that you cannot
accidentally eject.

To arm the ejection seat, click on the handle to the right that is circled in red. This will make the
handle pop forward into the position seen here in the picture.

To activate, simply click over the pull handle and away you go.

It’s probably best to set up a hot key or hardware function for this as well; for quicker response
times in an emergency.

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THE HELMET MOUNTED DISPLAY

About the HMD

The F-35 does not have a Heads Up Display (HUD) like other military Fighter / Attack aircraft,
instead the pilot uses a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD). The HMD is a common feature that
many military fighter and attack aircraft now utilize. Basically, pertinent flight information is
displayed to the visor as well as the ability to see through the plane due to external cameras
positioned about the aircraft.

For real world technical information on the HMD please refer to the RockwellCollins link found
on page 7.

PLEASE be aware that our HMD is still under development and that more features will
hopefully be developed / improved in the future.

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THE HELMET MOUNTED DISPLAY

SYMBOLOGY

2 3 5 6
7
1
8
10

11

1) Speed and Energy

a. IAS = Indicated Air Speed
b. TAS = True Air Speed
c. GS = Ground Speed
d. Mach = If you like flight, you should know this.
e. N1 = Same as above
f. Fish like symbol = Alpha or Angle of Attack (AoA)
2) Flight Path Marker
3) Aircraft Nose Direction Marker
4) Heading Display
5) Horizon Line Indicator
6) Barometric Altitude Indicator (Shows how high above sea level the aircraft is).
7) Radar Altitude Indicator (Shows how high above the ground the aircraft is).
8) Display of automatic vs. manual flaperon flap function. (default is on). The advanced flight control is not
something to worry about. It is an older feature that has not yet been removed for testing in the
experimental flight model.
9) Fuel amount – will change colors to help identify quantity.
10) Pitch scale
11) Role scale, and rudder position
12) Red dotted indicates AoA of 20 degrees. Additionally, the alpha symbol and AoA readout on the left will
turn yellow when the 20 degrees has been exceeded.

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12

HMD SET-UP

HMD Calibration and Use

2D MODE 2D + HMD 3D + HMD

In some cases, your screen resolution may cause the HMD to be off center. To set up the HMD,
establish a key command found under the EOI settings menu.

To get a reference of where to center the HMD:

1. First go into 2D view mode as shown above. Basic HUD elements will be displayed that
are zeroed and can be used for alignment.

2. Then activate your HMD while in 2D view and adjust up or down until the HMD horizon
line aligns with the 2D horizon line.

Simple enough!
You are now set up and our programing technology should save your calibration adjustments for
future flights so that you don’t have to worry about this step every time you start up the
simulator.

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HMD FORWARD CAMERA / DISTRIBUTED APERTURE SYSTEM

(FCAM & DAS)

FCAM with HDR off DAS with HDR on

DAS or FCAM used with HDR on and with flashlight aimed at center of screen.

- The FCAM is simply a forward-facing camera that is fixed.

- The DAS allows the pilot to look anywhere through the plane based upon cameras
positions about the jet. The Alpha Jet is being viewed through the cockpit as a result of
this ability.
- To enable key commands for these functions please refer back to page 8 / item 6. You
will also find manual controls to activate DAS / FCAM on the center console page 15 /
item 21.

For night flight the FCAM and DAS are most useful in HDR mode as we found a way to provide
night vision until X-Plane stops neglecting the useless night vision it ships with. To get the night
lighting feature show in the third picture to work, you must activate the X-Plane flashlight and
aim it at the center of the screen.

Please note that using the FCAM / DAS in HDR mode will eliminate clouds, certain ground
lighting, and explosions / smoke. In order to see all of those thine, lower your graphics settings
to not use HRD lighting.

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FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Systems Comprehension

Introduction to Basic F-35A Flight Operations

The first thing that needs to be accepted is that many features of the F-35 jet are automated and
controlled by massive super-computer systems. In interviews, F-35 pilots have expressed that
they had to re-learn their concepts of how to fly when at the helm of the new technology. With
programs similar to Alexa voice recognition, automated controls, advanced helmet projection
technology, and a possible wealth of unknown classified abilities, the F-35 appears to be truly
cutting edge. With that in mind, similar aspects of our project hold true in that they require to
user to let go of certain flight practices. Simmers who are accustomed to Legacy Fighter Jets,
General Aviation, or Commercial Aviation might have to adjust what they expect in handling;
the F-35 is not supposed to handle or operate anywhere remotely the same as anything else. The
F-35 is a military jet, and therefore is permitted different FAA regulations under certain
circumstances. We cannot provide in this manual what these regulations are, so you must do
your own google research should you wish to follow those guidelines.

Understanding the F135 Engine: Real world specs provided via link on Page 6

If you would like to see your throttle settings go into the X-Plane settings menu, select data
output graph, search “throttle” and then select which of the two types of throttle readouts you
prefer. A blue digital readout will appear in the upper left-hand portion of the screen. There are
also many other neat readouts here, so if you haven’t played around with this part of X-Plane
yet, I highly advise you do.

Using the massive General Electric F135 engine, the F-35 has no problem generating thrust.
With that in mind, low throttle placement is suitable for cruising and distance runs. In addition to
moderate supersonic abilities, the F-35 is touted as having an impressive loiter ability. Knowing
this, we have worked to replicate engine characteristics based on consulted feedback from
aviation engineers, aviation forums, pilot interviews, best guess estimates, documentaries, and
fuel consumption calculations of declassified material found online. What we have come up with
in the end, may or may not be accurate, but it sure is a lot of fun!

Automated Flight Functions

 Elevator Trim at take-off speeds

 Flaperon “flap functions” The flaperons are fully deflected by default and retract
automatically as the speed of the jet increases. The automatic function can be set to
manual if desired for certain advanced flight maneuvers.

 Leading Edge Flaps deflect and retract automatically and are not set up be controlled
manually.

 Nosewheel steering turns off above 50kts

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FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Systems Comprehension

 The landing gear has a semi-automatic function. If you select the gear toggle command
while on the ground, they will automatically retract once the jet is airborne. The same
goes for the reverse. If you selected the gear command above 250 kts, they will not
release until the jet decelerates below that speed.

 Taxi / Landing Lights automatically turn on/off depending on the up or down status of
the landing gear. You may also manually turn these off.

 Speed Brakes can be set to automatically deploy upon touchdown by setting up a key
command or hardware command.

Taxi Operations

For taxi, anywhere from 20-30kts will do fine for straightaways, however you probably
shouldn’t go beyond 10kts when turning. Of course, always follow (FAA-Military rules and
regulations) if you desire to keep things realistic.

Taking Off

For take-off there are afterburner options available in order to save fuel or to customize
acceleration control.
1. No afterburner is needed when there are no munitions on board. Simply going full
throttle is all you need as this beast puts out 28,000 lbs. of dry thrust. Rotate around 140
kts IAS.
2. Half afterburner for medium loads. Rotate around 140-150 kts IAS.
3. Full afterburner for rapid take off or heavy loads (This usually means wings are loaded
with air to ground munitions in addition to full fuel weight). Rotate around 150-160 kts
IAS.

During take-off Nose Wheel Steering automatically turns off around 50 kts.

During take-off and post take off, Elevator Trim automatically adjusts between 50 kts and 180
kts IAS for stability purposes. You may take over manual control of the trim above 200 kts IAS.

Post Take Off

I have read that some fighters are allowed to fly at a maximum of 350 kts for normal flight
operations below 10,000 ft due to their need of fasters speeds in order to generate lift.
Additionally, fighters from different U.S. military branches often do low lever flights of around
300-500 ft (depending on branch of service) going at speeds of up to 500 kts IAS. Supersonic
flight is also authorized under certain training or real-world circumstances. Please study up on
military aviation if you would like to learn more.

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FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Systems Comprehension

Normal Flight / Cruising

 A throttle of only 15-30% is needed for sustained subsonic cruising speed. This setting
will conserve the most fuel. Throttle above 60 % will begin to consume massive
quantities of fuel.
 Setting up and using manual elevator trim is really helpful above 200 kts to maximum
speed.
 Lower altitudes consume more fuel. The F-35A’s ceiling altitude is around 50,000 MSL
and like many other jets, it is most fuel efficient in the 30,000 to 40,000 MSL range.
 Autopilot is most useful during normal cruising flight.
 Fuel consumption is designed to get you + 2,000 Nautical miles. As mentioned earlier in
the setup section, the fuel tanks are all internal. The F-35A does not utilize external fuel
tanks as they are not needed. Supportive Evidence. If you discover valid evidence that is
either a real picture or information from Lockheed Martin, please provide and we will
make updates.
 For bad weather, the artificial stability can overcorrect at a fast rate. For normal autopilot
flight during bad conditions, you might want to turn off portions of the artificial stability
to smooth things out a bit. Artificial Stability is found on page 21 / items 4-7.

ADVANCED FLIGHT

 As the speed of sound is approached (Mach 1), transonic drag increases and thus fuel
consumption rises dramatically as more thrust is needed.
 The flaperons are automated to function with the horizontal stabilizers and will deflect
upwards. Why do they do this? Please ask a Lockheed Martin F-35A engineer. Anyways,
don’t protest this, the F-35A does it. Example 1, Example 2. If you can’t accept this fact,
as one of our reviewers has, then you probably have the same level of competence as
those who still believe the earth is flat. ;)
 High Angle of Attack explained. Anything above 20 degrees. We have a red dotted line
that appears to show when you go above normal AoA. Currently our F-35A will achieve
between 34 and 41 AoA depending on variables. We are working to get it above 50 AoA
for certain conditions.
 Auto Recovery (not under development yet)
 Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS) (not under development yet)
 G-Force Load. The F-35 is rated to 9Gs. At this time, we do not have any G-Force
limitation software installed, so be careful when pulling high G turns if you have damage
turned on.
 The F-35A is limited to Mach ~ 1.6 in order maintain the expensive stealth paint. Faster
speeds cause too much friction and heat, which destroys the paint. Achieving maximum
speed depends on altitude and weather. For X-Plane 11.41 we have found that altitudes of
35,000 to 40,000 MSL yield the best benefit.

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 The automated flaperons don’t always work best if your trying to fly high altitude and
accelerate; they cause drag. There for you may toggle the automation by setting up a key-
command and using our custom commands.
FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Systems Comprehension

 The Advanced Flight Toggle switch is for testing purposes with the experimental flight
model. We advise that you leave it alone.
 I call it RIDING THE WAVE. To help conserve fuel when flying supersonic, reach a
higher speed than desired and then turn off the afterburner completely while leaving the
throttle at 100%. This will slow the rate of deceleration and keep the jet in a high
transonic state of Mach ~ 1.1 while the throttle remains at 100%.
 Use of higher throttle percentages and the afterburner will burn through the fuel rapidly.
So, watch your fuel calculations in the ECAM when setting things on fire.

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INTRO TO COMBAT

This will perhaps be the most complicated section to work through as combat and systems are difficult to simulate in
X-Plane 11. In this section there will not be any training that would involve tactics as that is not in our knowledge
base. The following pages will merely cover combat systems and how to operate them.

At first glance the most daunting part of the combat systems is the weapons load-out. But with a little bit of
patience, you will see that it is actually quite simple. The attachment points (slots on pylons) are pre-labeled via
alphabetic characters moving from left to right from the pilot’s view.

Weapon Name Breakdown: Each weapon name has three primary sections.

1) Designator: This will be ‘LEFT’, ‘RIGHT’ or ‘F35’. The designator is in capital letters.
Names starting with ‘F35’ are the only compatible weapon choices for our jet. If you make other selections, you will
see bugs, and graphical glitches.
• Names starting with ‘LEFT’ or ‘RIGHT’ are ‘slot names’. ‘LEFT’ means ‘on the left wing’, from the pilot’s
point of view. ‘RIGHT’, means on right wing. They are placeholders and are not weapons. They are there
purely to let you know where that weapon slot is and are pre-loaded. You should not choose one of these
from the drop-down list, unless you want to ‘un-do’ a weapon selection.

2) Actual weapon name. In capital letters.

• For example: AIM-120 AMRAAM is the actual weapon name.
◦ Generally, weapons named ‘AIM’ are air-to-air, and others are air-to-ground.

3) Intended attachment point. In lower case letters.

• Weapons with ‘bay’ are for the internal weapons bays only. They will have a pattern of ‘I’s’ after ‘bay’.
e.g.: IIII – each “I” represents the two outer and two inner slots for the bays. In this example the weapon is
designed for all internal slots.
◦ If the weapons were just for the outer slots it would read as “I__I”.
◦ If the weapon were just for the inner slots it would read as “_II_”.
◦ If the weapon were for all four slots it would read as “IIII”.
• Other weapons will have ‘for pylon’ or ‘for wingtip’. ‘wingtip’ is abbreviated from ‘wing-tip pylon’ for
clarity.
◦ ‘for pylon’ weapons should only be fitted to slots with ‘inner pylon’ or ‘outer pylon’ in their name.
◦ ‘for wingtip’ weapons should only be fitted to slots with ‘wingtip’ in their name.

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FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Combat

Customized Weapons Inventory (1/1/2020 in beta and under development; more to come)

25MM GAU-22/A GATLING GUN

https://www.gd-ots.com/armaments/aircraft-guns-gun-systems/gau22a/

While the default weapons load out uses the X-Plane 11 stock cannon, we have code
programming that adjust the amount, size, fire rate and velocity. The reason for this is that we
have run into issues creating a customized cannon (rounds won’t show impact on the ground or
destroy air targets). This may have changed in recent updates, however, what we have works so
we are leaving it as is for the time being.

There is also an option that we have provided in the weapons menu that comes with zero rounds
if you would like to have the weight characteristics of the cannon only.

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Air to Air Missiles: Google search the weapon names if you wish to learn more about specifics.
JSF Simulator Inventory (Library guide):

AIM-120 AMRAAM
 F35 AIM-120 bay IIII (for the internal bays only – any slot)
 F35 AIM-120 for pylons (for single [B slot] mounting or double [A + C slot] mounting to
pylons) Note: you should have either one on the A slot and one on the B slot or one on
the B-slot and none on A + B slots. The pylons cannot support three missiles.

AIM-132 ASRAAM
 F35 AIM-132 bay IIII (for internal bays only – any slot)

AIM-9 Sidewinder
 F35 AIM-9 SIDWINDER for wingtip (Wingtip mount only)

FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Combat

Air to Surface Weapons

GBU-31 JDAM
 F35 GBU-31 JDAM bay I__ I (Currently for internal use only- loads in the proper bays
on default).

GBU-24
F35 GBU-24 for pylon B-slot (For external use only– one per inner / outer pylon only).
Note: these must be loaded to a B-slot only and should be the only weapon mounted on
that pylon. The pylons cannot support more than this one weapon.

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Examples of permissible external loadouts:

AIM-120 on B slots only

FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Combat

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AIM-120 on A slots and C slots only

GBU-24 on B slots only

FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Combat

Load-out Tips and Troubleshooting:

The external load-out (Known as ‘Beast mode’), is an added feature we have included for
thoroughness, but requires us doing things X-Plane 11 was never designed to do. The feature is
still in development, so please have patience if you have trouble with this.

If you get confused while fitting a load-out, just hit the ‘Reset to Default Armament’ button in
the lower left of the menu.

Due to an existing XP bug (no scroll bar), if you are using a low-resolution/small screen you
may not be able to see all available slots. You can try increasing your resolution to a larger, non-
native, value in the XP ‘Graphics’ settings menu; This has helped some users. We hope this bug
will be dealt with soon.

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When you add external weapons, they will be detected, and the appropriate pylons will
automatically appear in pairs (you do not have to use all three pairs). They will not, however
automatically disappear. If you change your mind on load-out on the apron, use the buttons in
the ‘magic box’ to remove them (see below).

Lighting, Selecting Weapons, and Target Acquisition

 The Center Console has several functions in order to utilize combat elements of the F-
35A. For the sake of it, the options to re-arm and refuel have been added for ease of use.

Please note: The old version of this F-35A required that the bay doors be opened manually before firing internal
weapons; this is no longer the case. The buttons in the center console for opening the bay doors are
only for manually opening them for things such as display or simulation of loading munitions.

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FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Combat

 The first step in combat is to establish external lighting. Turn off all exterior lights for both day and night
operations. For night operations select the Formation Lights button (FRMTN LIGHTS). This will activate
dim lighting for other combat pilots to see when flying in close proximity formation as seen below.

 The pictures below demonstrate a full internal and external load. When armed the screen will display the
specific weapon that is armed at the top and the weapon selected will flash. Additionally, the screen
displays between Safe and Armed modes.
Weapons SAFE Weapons ARMED

 To select weapons, first arm the weapons with the toggle switch. Then select one of the following. Hitting
the Weapons arm switch again, will deactivate all weapons selection.
o A: cycles Air to Air ordinance
o B: cycles Air to Surface ordinance
o C: Toggles the cannon
 The Magic Box is a customization that allows for quick set up of exterior elements: Wing Pylons (Inner,
Middle, Outer), Test Pilot Sensors, and Radar Enhancers. Just click on the dark panel and the right-hand
side of ejection seat and it will open / close.

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FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Combat

Air to Air Targeting

There are several methods to selecting a target in our jet. First of all, you may use the cycle through air
targets key / hardware command that comes with X-Plane or utilize the lock / cycle air to air target button found in
the center console illustrated on page 15 / item 20. There is also a cancel target lock button found just below it.
The next method, utilizes the F-35 custom key / hardware command “Designate HMD Selection as Air
Target.” Map this function to use with the HMD. When you look at another aircraft, a circle will appear around the
triangle that shows the location of the other aircraft. With the circle present, use the select air target function and the
triangle will change to a rectangle; signifying that they air target is selected. There is also a custom “Cancel Target
Selection” key / hardware command that you should establish as well. The rectangle with change back to a triangle
when the air target is deselected.

The number found underneath each target is the objects distance from you. Air to Surface
Targeting

 By default, the targeting camera is turned off as it consumes a decent amount of

processing power.
 When selecting the (Arm Weapons) switch the camera needs to be on for the GPS
targeting to work. This may or may not be an automated function at the time of releasing
this aircraft
 When activated, the camera screen will display the following text at the bottom;
depending on whether or not the Air to Surface ordinance have been selected.

Or

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 The HMD will display a green icon that looks like a large (X) as demonstrated in the
picture below, whenever the user looks below 10 degrees.

 Using the DAS will help with surface target designation.

 Once the X is over the target, use a pre-established key command (or select GPS target in
the center console.

FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Combat

STEALTH CONFIGURATION

The picture above illustrates how the F-35A should look when in stealth configuration. The two
red circles reveal where the Radar Enhancers would be if they were attached.

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What are Radar Enhancers? Exactly what they sound like. For peacetime operations, the F-35A
does not operate in stealth mode for safety and for protecting sensitive radar information.
Therefore, items that enhance and magnify the radar signature are installed. For warfare where
stealth is a necessity, the enhancers are removed along with any external weapons / pylons.

In order to simulate the F-35A stealth configuration, there are several measures that need to be
setup. First remove all exterior weapons and pylons. Next remove the Radar Enhancers. Within
the (Magic Box), selection of the (Radar Enhancers) button will remove or putt back the Radar
Enhancers.

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MYTHBUSTING

FUEL

 Fuel consumption is designed to get you + 2,000 Nautical miles. As mentioned earlier in
the setup section, the fuel tanks are all internal. The F-35A does not utilize external fuel
tanks as they are not needed. Supportive Evidence. If you discover valid evidence that is
either a real picture or information from Lockheed Martin, please provide and we will
make updates.

CONTROL DEFLECTIONS

 The flaperons default to the down downward deflected position when parked and in taxi.
Evidence.
 The flaperons are automated to function with the horizontal stabilizers and will deflect
upwards. Why do they do this? Please ask a Lockheed Martin F-35A engineer. Anyways,
don’t protest this, the F-35A does it. Example 1, Example 2. If you can’t accept this fact,
as one of our reviewers has, then you probably have the same level of competence as
those who still believe the earth is flat. ;)

CAN’T MANUEVER

 Oh really? There’s a lot more- search the internet

ADDITIONAL VIDEOS

F-35 Lightning II: Busting Myths - Episode I

F-35 Lightning II: Busting Myths - Episode II
F-35 Lightning II: Busting Myths - Episode III
F-35 Lightning II: Busting Myths – Episode IV

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