Introducing Beast Mode: What Happens When The F-35 Drops Its ‘Stealth’
ByEthen Kim LieserPublished10 hours ago
Beast ModeAn F-35A Lightning II taxis down the flightline in a Beast Mode weapons configuration July 22, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The weapons configuration consists of six inert GBU-12 bombs, four mounted onto the wings and two loaded into the weapons bay, as well as an AIM-9X air-to-air training missile. The Beast Mode weapons configuration provides F-35 B-Course student pilots with the additional training and experience needed for potential combat sorties and helps train the world’s greatest F-35 pilots and combat ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Cook)
The F-35 stealth fighter can drop its stealth capabilities and become what amounts to a bomb truck if needed–and surely Russia and China hate it. Many people might be familiar with National Football League running back Marshawn Lynch, who is nicknamed “Beast Mode” for his powerful running style and ability to run over defenders and break tackles.
But in the military world, know that this particular moniker can also be used for a configuration on F-35 stealth fighters.
Although “Beast Mode”—also known as “Bomb Truck”—isn’t considered an official or even a technical term, the nickname does describe a situation in which extra weapons are carried inside the internal bay and the wing-mounted pylons of the aircraft.
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/03/introducing-beast-mode-what-happens-when-the-f-35-drops-its-stealth/
