The F-35, a renowned stealth fighter, possesses a lesser-known capability referred to as beast mode that allows it to function as a bomb truck for larger attacks. While the F-35 is primarily recognized for its speed and stealth, it also possesses heavy bombing and reconnaissance capabilities. This means that the aircraft can autonomously locate distant ground targets using its electro/optical-infrared (EO-IR) cameras and sensors, and subsequently launch bomb attacks from the air.
Typically, the F-35 uses its internal weapons bay to maintain a stealth configuration while conducting attacks. However, when a full-force assault is necessary, the external pylons come into play, enabling what is known as the F-35’s beast mode. In this mode, the F-35 can be armed with six inert 500-pound GBU-12 laser-guided bombs – four loaded externally on the wings and two internally in the weapons bay. An AIM-9 training air-to-air missile can also be incorporated.
Utilizing external weapons does increase the radar signature of the F-35 and diminishes its stealth properties. Nevertheless, this configuration can be deployed in combat situations where the United States already has air supremacy. While external ordnance does make the aircraft more visible to adversaries’ radar, it can significantly enhance mission dwell time, allowing the F-35s to engage more targets with a larger weapons load.
The use of laser-guided GBU-12s, which are equipped with laser designators, enables the F-35 to precisely strike ground targets illuminated by lasers from the air or ground. Furthermore, the Air Force’s GBU-54, another laser-guided bomb, empowers aircraft to engage moving targets on the ground. By employing this mode, the F-35 can respond to real-time intelligence information, reducing latency and sensor-to-shooter time.
The F-35’s advanced sensor fusion capabilities play a crucial role in this attack mode. By leveraging computer automation and AI, the aircraft can amalgamate data from separate sensors, analyze it, and present pilots with a comprehensive situational picture.
In summary, the F-35’s beast mode provides it with the ability to deliver substantial firepower in the form of larger bomb attacks. This mode, which involves utilizing both internal and external weapons, sacrifices some of the aircraft’s stealth attributes but can be advantageous in combat scenarios where air superiority is already established. By employing the F-35’s EO-IR cameras, sensors, and advanced sensor fusion capabilities, pilots can autonomously identify and strike ground targets with precision.
