In Beast Mode, the F-35 can handle four times more loads than in stealth mode
The F-35 is commonly regarded as a state-of-the-art and sophisticated fighter, created with advanced features that emphasize concealment and surgical precision. The common perception is based on the truth. Indeed, the F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to host software that improves network connectivity and data sharing. But the common perception is that the F-35 is notorious for its flexibility and its ability to “roll up its sleeves”.
Remember, the F-35 is a multi-role fighter and, when required, can be reconfigured as a simple, hovering bomber. Restructuring is known as “Beast Mode”.
Designed with stealth technology, the F-35 is capable of entering questionable airspace, avoiding detection and engaging in enemy targets, all before air supremacy is established. Indeed, the F-35 is explicitly designed to initially establish air superiority. And because the F-35 is designed to be stealth, concessions were made in terms of payloads.
To improve stealth characteristics, the F-35 uses an internal weapon space, instead of external hard points that dramatically increase the radar cross section of an aircraft. While the inner arms nest creates a more hidden frame, the storage space inside the fuselage is limited.
In stealth mode, when the F-35 carries weapons inside, the jet can handle just 5,700 pounds in weight. This is analyzed either on four AIM 120 AMRAAM missiles (for air-to-air missions), or alternatively – for hybrid missions – two AMRAAMs in combination with two GBU-31 JDAM bombs. This is not a big firepower, but the concession is worth it to gain privacy benefits.
However, once air superiority is established, when the enemy loses its anti-aircraft systems, such as missiles and air defense guns, as well as intercept sensors, stealth mode becomes less relevant. And when stealth loses its relevance, the F-35 can enter “Beast Mode” and use its external hard points to maximize its firepower.
In Beast Mode, the F-35 can handle four times more loads than in stealth mode. Using the exterior hard points plus the interior of the weapon, the F-35 can carry 22,000 pounds of cargo weight. This is divided into 14 AMRAAM and two AIM-3x Sidewinder missiles for air-to-air missiles.
Or, for hybrid missions, the jet can be equipped with two AMRAAM, two Sidewinder and six 2,000 pound JDAM bombs. Indeed, the boost in firepower is significant although, in Beast Mode, the F-35’s operating range is reduced by half to just 1,400 kilometers.
Something that may seem inconceivable about using the F-35, a fifth-generation jet / supercomputer, as a simple bomber truck, a role that is fully equipped Cold War aircraft, such as the F-16 or B -52.
However, if one considers that the F-35 program cost taxpayers $ 1.7 trillion, the idea of using the jet just to secure air supremacy in the initial conflict becomes “offensive.”
And for the United States, which tends to invade countries with rudimentary air defense systems, the F-35 must be able to do more than maintain its stealth properties and eliminate air defense systems in the early days of the conflict.
Therefore, if Greece supplies F-35, we will not just talk about super-weapons, but about our country’s air domination in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.
