The F-35 Lightning II, formerly known as the Joint Strike Fighter, is being developed by Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and General Electric. The aircraft is planned for use by the Royal Air Force/Navy, the US Air Force, US Navy, US Marine Corps and nine other nations. This stealthy, supersonic multi-role fighter was designated the F-35 in October 2001, and named "Lightning II" in July 2006. The F-35 is being built in three variants: a conventional take-off and landing aircraft for the US Air Force: a carrier based variant for the US Navy: and a short take-off and vertical landing aircraft for the US Marine Corps and the Royal Navy/Air Force. The F-35 fighter is expected to enter service in 2012 with the US Marine Corps, 2013 with the US Air Force, 2014 with the Royal Navy/Royal Air Force, and 2015 with the US Navy. Other countries that have invested in the project are Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and Norway. Singapore and Israel are monitoring the program to evaluate the F-35's potential in their fleet modernization efforts.

This book looks at all the many research programmes that are taking place in the fields of airframe and engine design, avionics, weapons, radar, counter-measures and propulsion. It encompasses the history of the programme to the time of publication when interest will be stimulated as the carrier-borne F-35 takes to the air for test-flying.