The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is often hailed as the most advanced fighter platform in the world, and it features a very unique configuration so-called “Beast Mode.” That configuration allows it to internally and externally carry an astonishing 22,000 pounds (9980 kg) of weapons, making it lethal in less contested environments where the speed of deploying the ordnance becomes much more paramount than the issue of stealth.
The term Beast Mode comes from a 2017 Lockheed Martin infographic showing the differences between the F-35’s stealth mode-a configuration in which the fighter jet can fly with a minimal radar signature by carrying only internal weapons-and its more powerful Beast Mode, which leverages both internal and external weapon stations. While in stealth mode the F-35 is capable of carrying up to 5,700 pounds internally, its Beast Mode can accommodate as much as 22,000 pounds of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.
“This design feature allows Australian F-35As to be adapted to suit the threat environment and operational requirements,” said Mathew Harper, Commanding Officer of Royal Australian Air Force’s No. 35 Squadron. He surmised that such a configuration would probably be exploited in situations where an advantage in air superiority is already achieved, hence reducing the immediate requirement for stealth.
The flight characteristics of the F-35 with such a heavy payload are significantly different, making it an exceptional training opportunity for student pilots. For Lieutenant Colonel Peter Cossette, the Director of Operations at the USAF’s 63rd Fighter Squadron, one such configuration is the most important: training with the Beast Mode. “It’s important for our student pilots to have some exposure to flying this really unique configuration because when they are in a combat situation, they will fly a very similar configuration to the one they’re doing right now,” he said.
The F-35 is versatile but is not confined to the realm of Beast Mode. It’s intended to satisfy the great variation in modern military duties-air-to-air, air-to-ground, reconnaissance, and intelligence, among others. Advanced stealth capabilities combined with highly sophisticated sensors mean it can operate undetected in hostile airspace, engage and defeat enemy fighters, and provide friendly forces with air superiority.
The global footprint of the F-35 is growing as more U.S. allies join its customer list. In December, Germany became the latest customer in response to the new security environment created by the invasion of Ukraine. Romania approved a plan to acquire the F-35 fighter jet as part of efforts to modernize its air force, possibly joining Poland as the third Eastern European ally to operate the fifth-generation aircraft.
The variants to be offered include the F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing, the F-35B Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing, and the carrier variant, the F-35C-the first long-range stealth strike fighter specifically designed for Navy carrier operations. Each will bring different capabilities to the table thereby increasing the operational flexibility of the forces deploying them.
Despite the formidable F-35 capabilities, some configurations of the notional load-out of 16 air-to-air missiles presented in the Lockheed Martin graphic above remain conceptual. Given that this configuration has not been tested, or even planned for development, one does consider the attractive concept of a tactical aircraft acting as some kind of “arsenal ship” for other tactical aircraft. This can expand the magazine depth and effectiveness of stealthy fighter aircraft operating forward in the counter-air role.
As the F-35 continues to evolve, its place within modern military operations will no doubt increase, hence securing this aircraft as a cornerstone of air superiority and multi-role capability for the United States and its allies.