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Lightning II: How the F-35 Fighter Jet Got Its Name

The F-35’s Lightning II name was announced in 2006 to echo the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and English Electric Lightning jet.
Entry290 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The F-35 was named Lightning II at a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 7, 2006. The name was chosen to echo two earlier aircraft: the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and the English Electric Lightning jet.

When and where was the F-35 named?

The name was announced at a ceremony in Fort Worth on July 7, 2006. At the time, the aircraft was being developed through the Joint Strike Fighter program. The contract team had been selected on October 26, 2001, according to NAVAIR; that earlier selection was a separate program milestone, not the naming announcement.

Who chose the name Lightning II?

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley announced the name. The Air Force says he made the final choice after an extensive nomination and review process coordinated with the other services and partner nations. Its account does not identify the person who first proposed the winning name or give the alternative nominees or scoring criteria. Moseley called the choice “a win for aviation heritage and culture.” U.S. Air Force

Which earlier aircraft does “Lightning II” refer to?

Lockheed P-38 Lightning

The P-38 was Lockheed’s World War II-era Lightning. The F-35 announcement explicitly links the new name to this earlier aircraft.

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#1 Best Overall
Tamiya Lockheed Martin F-35 A Lightning II Plastic Model Kit, 1/48 Scale
  • Tamiya Lockheed Martin F-35 A Lightning II Plastic Model Kit, 1/48 Scale

English Electric Lightning

The second namesake was English Electric’s supersonic Lightning jet, introduced in the mid-1950s. Lockheed Martin’s announcement says the F-35 name echoes both aircraft. Its president, Ralph D. Heath, said the F-35 “will carry on the legacy of two of the greatest and most capable fighter aircraft of all time.” That was a Lockheed Martin corporate statement, not an independent assessment. Lockheed Martin

Does the name mean the F-35 is a direct successor?

No direct technical continuation is established by the naming announcement. It presents the two earlier aircraft as namesakes and a link to aviation heritage; it does not say the F-35 descended from either design. Lockheed Martin also notes that English Electric later became part of BAE Systems, which became a principal industrial partner on the Joint Strike Fighter program. That corporate history does not make the F-35 a technical successor to the English Electric jet.

Rank #2
Academy USAF F-35A Lightning II Model Kit
  • 1/72nd scale
  • Precisely reproduced panel lines of upper and lower body
  • Authentic markings for three versions included
  • Positionable canopy, bay doors, and landing gear; Seated pilot figure also included
  • Paint and glue not included
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why is it called “II”?

The official account identifies the P-38 Lightning and English Electric Lightning as the two aircraft the name echoes, but it does not explain the specific choice of the Roman numeral “II.” The available announcement also does not say who proposed the winning name.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Tamiya Lockheed Martin F-35 A Lightning II Plastic Model Kit, 1/48 Scale
Tamiya Lockheed Martin F-35 A Lightning II Plastic Model Kit, 1/48 Scale
Tamiya Lockheed Martin F-35 A Lightning II Plastic Model Kit, 1/48 Scale
$79.19
Bestseller No. 2
Academy USAF F-35A Lightning II Model Kit
Academy USAF F-35A Lightning II Model Kit
1/72nd scale; Precisely reproduced panel lines of upper and lower body; Authentic markings for three versions included
$26.59
Bestseller No. 3
Hasegawa HAE46 F-35 Lightning II B Version US Marine Model Kit, 1:72 Scale
Hasegawa HAE46 F-35 Lightning II B Version US Marine Model Kit, 1:72 Scale
Hasegawa Model Kit; Accurate Scale Model; Paints and Glue Required; Easy to Build; Detailed Instructions Included
$31.99
Best Value
NUOTIE 1/72 F-35A Lighting II Fighter Aircraft Model U.S. Airforce AF-01
  • 【F-35A】-The F-35A is the U.S. Air Force’s latest fifth-generation fighter.It will replace the U.S.Air Force’s aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II’s, which have been the primary fighter for more than 20 years.The F-35A bring with it an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment in which it was designed to operate.The F-35A will provide next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the US and allied nations.
  • 【Product Specifications】-The F-35A Lighting II fighter model restores the appearance and details of the real F-35A fighter as much as possible. The F-35A aircraft model has a replaceable cover part, allowing you to enjoy the different postures of the F-35A fighter model. In order to restore the appearance of the F-35A Lighting II as much as possible, we use a 1/72 scale. The aircraft model measures 8.27*5.82*2.44 inches and weighs 0.44 pounds. Very suitable for display or collection.
  • 【Carefully Selected Paint】- The 1/72 F-35A Lightning II model is made of high-quality metal die-casting, which is sturdy and durable, and uses baking paint to avoid product oxidation, cracking or fading. After our research and comparison, we chose to use the US Air Force "AF-01" paint on the aircraft model, and the lightning paint on the tail wing is perfectly restored. The production team's pursuit of details can make you feel the charm of the F-35A Lightning II fighter.
  • 【Practical Packaging】-The 1/72 pre-built F-35A Lightning II fighter model comes with a detachable metal stand, allowing you to display the aircraft model in different poses. The F-35A aircraft model also comes with an exquisite packaging box to protect the fighter model from damage during transportation. The packaging of the F-35A Lighting II fighter model contains the fuselage, display stand, and all replaceable parts, and the packaging ensures that you have everything you need for display.
  • 【Customer Support】-We adhere to strict production requirements,control the product quality of aircraft model kits,and ensure that every customer gets satisfactory high-quality products. We take pride in offering a One-year warranty on the 1/72 pre-built F-35A Lighting II fighter model kits ,ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind.If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your purchase,our dedicated customer support team is available resolve any concerns within 24 hours.
Rank #4
Postage Stamp F-35® Lightning II® USAF AF08-0747 Die-Cast Model – 1:144 Scale Stealth Fighter Replica with Display Stand, Highly Detailed, 4.1” Length x 2.8” Wingspan, Adult Collectible Ages 14+
  • Authentic F-35 Lightning II Model: A meticulously detailed 1:144 scale replica of the F-35A Lightning II, the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant of Lockheed Martin's advanced Joint Strike Fighter, used by the U.S. Air Force and Allied nations.
  • Die-Cast Metal Construction: Constructed from durable die-cast metal with select plastic parts for added detail, this model is built for collectors who appreciate accuracy and craftsmanship.
  • Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter: Features realistic design elements that highlight the F-35’s cutting-edge stealth technology, fighter speed, and agility. Modeled after aircraft AF08-0747, the first F-35A delivered to the USAF in service.
  • Compact and Display-Ready: Model measures approximately 4 1/8 inches long with a 2 7/8 inch wingspan, making it an excellent addition to any aviation collection or display shelf.
  • Includes Display Stand: Comes with a custom plastic stand to display the aircraft in an in-flight pose, recommended for adult collectors and military aviation enthusiasts ages 14 and up.
Rank #3
Hasegawa HAE46 F-35 Lightning II B Version US Marine Model Kit, 1:72 Scale
  • Hasegawa Model Kit
  • Accurate Scale Model
  • Paints and Glue Required
  • Easy to Build
  • Detailed Instructions Included

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