The F-35 That Never Was | Lockheed LSPM | Peculiar Prototypes
96This is the Lockheed Large Scale Production Model. It was built to test the VTOL system as part of the Joint Advanced Strike Technology program, the precursor to the Joint Strike Fighter Program that eventually spawned the F-35 Lightning II. The Department of Defense officially initiated the JAST program in late 1993, and had four major companies participating, them being: McDonnell Douglas and British Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.
One primary requirement of the program, much like the ones set by the future JSF program, was the integration of STOVL capabilities. Lockheed intended the LSPM model to have the lowest empty weight possible, however, it proved to provide less flexibility in mission needs. Nevertheless, with the change in design and mission parameters set by the eventual merger into the JSF program, the LSPM largely remained unused. And thus, it can be found today, rusting away at Carswell Air Force Base, in Fort Worth, Texas.
-- -- -- -- --
Music used:
◻️ VR Hangar — Ace Combat 7 OST
-- -- -- -- --
Connect with me here:
🔹 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hellsverg
🔹 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hellsverg
🔹 WT Live: https://live.warthunder.com/user/Hellsverg/
🔹 Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/id/hellsverg/