Pen & Sword's F-35 in Service, reviewed by Scott Van Aken

Pen & Sword's F-35 in Service

Author/Artists:	Gerard Keijsper
Publisher	Pen & Sword
Price	$79.95 from Casemate
Reviewer:	Scott Van Aken
Notes:	482 pages, hardcover, hundreds of photos and illustrations ISBN: 978-1-399083538

It was pretty obvious in the late 1980s/early 1990s that there was a need in the USAF for a replacement for the F-16. It was also pretty obvious that this aircraft would need to stealthy. What was not realized was that the aircraft would need to fit the needs of not only the Air Force, but the Marines and the Navy as well. In a McNamara move, three separate aircraft, each loosely based on the same airframe were eventually developed.

No surprise to anyone with any sense was that this aircraft would be in development for a long time, would run into considerable issues due to its software as much as hardware, and that it would be considerably more expensive to build that even the most sanguine estimates of the time. Like the F-16, this was an aircraft which would see considerable export potential to NATO allies and friends around the world.

That has indeed come to pass. The aircraft is considerably more expensive than envisioned, it also had a lot of issues getting into production and operational service and has been integrated in to many of the world's air arms. It also has/had a lot of possible customer response. I say had as at least two countries, Canada and Portugal, have cancelled their orders due to the sudden loss of the US as a reputable trading partner. This was not helped by recent news that the US retains control over crucial software and codes for the F-35, including potentially shutting down or disabling the aircraft if needed. Of course, this happened after this book was published so in these pages things are still rosy.

The book covers the rather extensive development of the type, including all three different airframes. The various systems of the airplane are also fully discussed as well as what it is like to fly it. You might expect there to be a lot of jargon and you would be quite correct as it does get to be quite thick at times. Thankfully, there is a ten page glossary that covers all these terms for those of us who are not or no longer steeped in military aviation speak.

In addition to the nuts and bolts of the aircraft is an extensive section on the various nations operating the aircraft and how they came to choose it for their respective service. Within all this are a ton of photos and one could make the argument that this is as much a photo book as it is an in-depth history of the aircraft.

At nearly 500 pages, this is one that will take a while to read, but it is well written and even better, it is an interesting read. Well worth picking up and a great reference on the type.

April 2025

Review book courtesy of Casemate Publishers, where you can order your copy at this link.

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