Comments on: The F-35 “Lightning II”?

By: Plodman

Plodman — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:28:37 +0000

Of course in the military forums over at PPRuNe the F-35 is generally referred to as the ‘Dave’.
It may be respected at an aircraft but the program as a whole is looked upon with deep suspiscion

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 18:05:29 +0000

Either way, I gotta say, I am extremely disapointed in the name “Lighning II”. I am an engineer on the centerfuselage of of the F-35 and myself and the 10 other engineers here were all hoping for “Pheonix” or “Cyclone”. The P-38 has about as much in common with the F-35 as the Spruce Goose. The General who named the plane is quoted as saying “They are both made by lockheed…”. Wow. Lame. Hopefully, newer, more original names will surface over the life of the plane like all of you are discussing.

By: AKhater

AKhater — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 20:44:24 +0000

The official name of a USAF fighter has no bearing on what maintainers and pilots call a “Eagle”, or “Viper”, or “Raptor”. In the case of the Eagle, it’s usually know as simply “The 15″, or to a few, “The Pig”. Then again, even some “Legacy Bugs” share that name, while the F-35 could quite easily be called “Budget Destroyer” or “Lawn Dart II”, the latter being the Joint designation.

By: rt

rt — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 10:33:20 +0000

i highly doubt the term “Crusader” would go over well with our arab allies. and that’s a pity cause it’s a cool name.

well, the Navy has had Hornets for years. Why not “Wasps”?

By: Steeljaw Scribe

Steeljaw Scribe — Wed, 31 May 2006 19:34:45 +0000

FYI, Avenger II was applied to the still born A-12, aka “Flying Dorito” (itself a misnomer since the darn thing never flew but certainly consumed it’s fair share and more of $$$’s).

Buffalo was also used for the Phoenix…

SJS

By: Albany Rifles

Albany Rifles — Wed, 31 May 2006 19:09:36 +0000

If they want to recycle names, I’d go with Warhawk II or Tomahawk II.

Then again, there is also the Buffalo.