The choice of the F-35 design was made in 2001 as a result of a competition under the JSF program (English Joint Strike Fighter — single strike fighter) between Boeing (model X-32) and Lockheed Martin (model X-35). The program provided for the creation of a single fighter model for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps with the possibility of a shortened takeoff, as well as vertical takeoff and landing to replace the F-16, A-10, F/A-18, AV-8B. It was also supposed to replace the British Sea Harrier. The third McDonnell Douglas model was rejected due to the complexity of the design.
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