F-35C

An aircraft carrier variant of the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter flies over Joint Base Andrews, Md., during the 2011 Joint Service Open House. This is the first public appearance of a joint strike fighter aircraft at an air show. Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus piloted the aircraft. The F-35C is a fifth generation strike fighter with stealth capability and has larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for the demanding carrier environment. The aircraft is undergoing test and evaluation at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. (U.S. Navy photo by Andy Wolfe courtesy of Lockheed Martin/Released)

Joint Strike Fighter makes first appearance during 2011 JSOH

Published May 23, 2011

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- An F-35 Joint Strike Fighter performed a fly-by for the 2011 Joint Service Open during the opening ceremonies May 21. This is the first time this aircraft has performed at a public event of this nature.

"I can't think of a better way to open the 2011 Joint Service Open House than with a fly-by from an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter," said Col. Ken Rizer, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander. "Seeing the future of aviation in the sky is inspirational to everyone attending today's events."

The F-35C is the Naval variant of the aircraft featuring enhanced stealth and all weather capabilities in addition to a larger wing and tail, enabling superior low-speed handling to facilitate aircraft carrier landings.

"What you see in the air today is only a glimpse of the United States joint force capability," said Vice Admiral David J. Venlet, Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Program. "As we celebrate flight success and milestones, we join forces with Navy, Marine and Coast Guard shipmates in celebrating the centennial of Navy aviation."

The theme of this year's open house is the celebration of 100 years of Naval aviation.

"This fine display of multi-service aircrafts and ground units, symbolize something different for everyone here," said Admiral Venlet. "For those that have served, these are more than machines, these are reminders of the people you hold dear."

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program is in the system development and demonstration phase, focusing on delivering three different and new aircraft variants to the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. All three variants integrate advanced low observable stealth into a supersonic, multi-role fighter.

Unlike the F-35C, which is designed for aircraft carrier takeoffs and landings, the F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing variant intended for the U.S. Air Force. It is the smallest, lightest F-35 version and is the only variant equipped with an internal cannon, the GAU-22/A.

The 2011 Joint Service Open House showcases aerial performers from all branches of the military services, as well as civilian stunt pilots and dozens of ground displays. More than 200 thousand people are expected to attend the event this year.