[SECRET] F-35 Block 5

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, in partnership with dozens of other military contractors from the original F-35 program, have officially announced the F-35 Block 5. Incorporating a load of new features, the F-35 Block 5 will be available for export to our valuable allies across the world.

[m] everything is public besides the CHAMP stuff

• F137 Engine
• Utilizing new ADVENT technology, the F137 will be designed to have about a 25% better thrust to fuel ratio and a 30% higher range. This will be done by incorporating a variable bypass ratio, allowing the engine to switch to a higher bypass ratio to operate for maximum efficiency, while operating at a lower bypass ratio will allow for maximum thrust. The ADVENT engine will also reduce heat and IR signature by allowing for the aircraft to dump heat into the third stream of air. The ability to switch bypass ratio will allow for a minimal increase of speed.
• Direct Laser Counter Measure (DLCM)
• Operating as a relatively low powered FEL, the DLCM will have the ability to target incoming missiles. In association with the ThNDR, which is added to the DAS and will provide the DLCM with 360 coverage, the DLCM will have the ability to target high moving anti-aircraft missiles, destroying them with great efficiency.
• Directional Infrared Counter Measure (DICM)
• Complementing the DLCM, the DICM will be more passive, actively jamming the infrared seekers of incoming missiles as to break their locks. Utilizing pulsing flashes of infrared energy, the infrared seekers of incoming missiles are confused, giving the pilot time to adequately escape.
• CUDA Missile
• In concept since 2017, the CUDA missile will operate as a replacement to the AMRAAM, in a smaller package. Contained in a 1.8 m long and 180mm wide case that weighs 295 lbs, the CUDA will utilize solid fuel and Altitude Control Motors, alongside a multi-mode seeker - similar to the PAC-3. This will allow the CUDA to have multiple functions - both as an anti-aircraft missile and as a close range anti-missile missile. All F-35 variants (including older A, B, and C vairants) will be able to carry 8-12 CUDA missiles. It's range will be 130 km (50 km shorter than the AIM-120D), traveling at a speed of Mach 6.
• Triple Target Terminator Missile (T3)
• The T3 missile was an ongoing project under DARPA. Complementing the CUDA, it will form the BVRAAM component of the Texan Air Force, and will primarily be equipped onboard larger bombers as a source of self-defense. Utilizing an integral rocket booster and a ramjet, the T3 will be equipped with similar technology to the CUDA, including altitude control motors and a multi-mode seeker, allowing it to function as an anti-aircraft missile and an anti-missile missile. F-35 variants will be able to carry 2 of these - coming in at 400 lbs, 4 m long, and 180mm wide, the T3 will have a range of 230 km, at a speed of about Mach 4 at most.
• SECRET - CHAMP
• Using technology first demonstrated on E-35 test aircraft, we will be adding the mobile CHAMP package as part of the F-35 Block 5's electronic warfare suite, but this option will only be available to the Texan Air Force.
• Next Generation Jammer
• This new approach to jamming will allow for the F-35 Block 5 to be an advanced and capable electronic warfare platform. The Raytheon-developed NGJ will allow for the F-35 Block 5 to hack/confuse computer programs through cyber attacks, jam radar systems through a wide-band jammer, and operate as a communications system.
• Multi-Mission Pod
• The Multi-Mission Pod will allow the F-35 to carry extra radars, electro-optical sensors, or cyber-warfare gear for special missions.