F-35C

The F-35C is the Carrier Variant (CV CATOBAR) version of the F-35 Lightning II.

The F-35C is tailored for carrier-based operations for the U.S. Navy, with features like larger wings (13.1m wingspan) with foldable wingtip sections for storage on aircraft carriers, stronger landing gear, and a tailhook for arrested recovery.

It has a maximum G limit of 7.5, reflecting the constraints of carrier operations, and boasts the highest internal fuel capacity (9000 kg) among the variants, with a combat radius of 1240 km on internal fuel.

The cannon is also housed in an external pod with 220 rounds. It entered service on February 28, 2019, and is designed to replace the F/A-18 Hornet

Each variant of the F-35 is tailored to meet the specific operational needs of its primary user:

• U.S. Air Force (F-35A)
• U.S. Marine Corps (F-35B)
• U.S. Navy (F-35C).