F-35 Lightning Departure

Taken at the Miramar Airshow in 2018. This was the end of the show and visiting aircraft were departing. The F-35 had only been performing for a year at this point and the displays were limited in aggressiveness. Still, it was great to see this airplane finally perform. About this airplane, at least from an aesthetic perspective; it is not an attractive airplane because it's proportions are all bloated. it's much stubbier and thicker than an F-18, though the reason for this bloat is well-known; it is due to the airplane's requirement to carry it's combat load internally. Truly form follows function here and it's better to be effective than pretty. It's been three years since the last Miramar Airshow, but I'm glad to report that it will be returning on September 23-25. I will be planning to go, of course.