The Marines fly the F-35B because it can take off in a short distance and land vertically, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships and expeditionary airstrips that are not suited to conventional fighter operations. The F-22 serves a different stated role: the Air Force describes it as an air-dominance fighter, not a Marine STOVL aircraft. The difference is mission and basing fit—not a claim that one fighter is universally better.
Why the F-35B fits Marine aviation
The F-35B is the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version of the F-35. The Marine Corps says it provides expeditionary flexibility for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), including operation from LHA and LHD amphibious assault ships and expeditionary airstrips shorter than 2,000 feet. The Marine Aviation Plan 2022 describes those basing options as central to the B variant’s purpose.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That flexibility supports deployments with Marine expeditionary forces. In 2018, F-35Bs joined the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Wasp for the type’s first operational deployment with a MEU, as the Marine Corps reported.
Recommended Free Tools
Why the F-22 is a different fit
The Air Force describes the F-22 Raptor as an air-dominance fighter with air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Its official fact sheet does not describe STOVL or amphibious-ship operations. That is the relevant distinction: the Marine Corps needs an aircraft variant designed around expeditionary basing, while the F-22’s stated role and documented capabilities do not address that requirement.
#1 Best Overall
- F-35B Lightning II is a single-seat, single-engine, stealth, short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) multirole fighter of the U.S. Marine Corps and allied forces, featuring a lift fan system and articulated nozzle for amphibious and expeditionary operations
- 1:72 Scale Military Die-cast Plane Model. The size of the aircraft model is 8.7*5.9*2.8 inches, the weight is 0.55 pounds. This F-35B aircraft model requires no assembly and can be displayed directly after purchase
- The fighter casing is a high quality alloy, The tire and the propeller is engineering plastic. The stand base keeps the model plane in good condition
- F-35B military aircraft model accurately reproduces the appearance and details of the real jet airplane, including the visible cockpit, missiles hanging from the bottom, smooth lines and glossy curved surface
- Metal Airplane model is an excellent gift for aerospace enthusiasts, making it a fantastic birthday present and keepsake. It is suitable for display in the living room, study, or office
This comparison should not be stretched into an unsupported claim about every possible short-field operation or landing configuration for the F-22. The available official descriptions establish that the F-35B has the specific STOVL capability Marines use and that the F-22 is an Air Force air-dominance fighter; they do not establish a statutory ban or a precise procurement decision rationale for why the Marines do not fly F-22s.
The Marines also fly the F-35C
The Marine Corps does not rely only on the B variant. Its F-35C is designed for conventional aircraft carriers or land bases. Compared with the F-35B, the C has more internal fuel and larger internal weapon bays, while giving up the B’s distinctive STOVL flexibility, according to the Marine Aviation Plan 2022.
Rank #2
- Precision STOVL Strike Art – This 1:72 scale model faithfully replicates the legendary "Lightning II" – the formidable F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing fighter of the U.S. Marine Corps. Featuring its iconic lift fan system, stealth faceted airframe, and distinctive single-engine layout with swiveling nozzle, this aerial guardian is adorned with authentic tactical gray RAM coating—featuring ghost gray upper surfaces and light gray underbelly—accented by U.S. Marine Corps squadron markings and the imposing lift fan door outlines, capturing the Lightning II's legendary expeditionary versatility, stealth precision strike, and amphibious assault dominance
- Superior Detail & Craftsmanship – Main fuselage in die-cast alloy for solid heft, with precision plastic parts for sharp definition on lift fan doors, intakes, and canopy. The hybrid build accurately replicates the F-35B's STOVL layout with faceted stealth surfaces, with fine engraving reproducing every panel seam and RAM edge. The flawless gray coating, accented by lift fan and swiveling nozzle details, delivers museum-quality realism—capturing the Lightning II's stealth, versatility, and expeditionary strike power
- Ready for Immediate Display - Comes fully assembled with a included display stand. Simply unbox it to showcase this engineering marvel on your desk, shelf, or in a cabinet—no tools or glue required
- Collector-Quality Presentation - Features detailed landing gear, weapon bay outlines, and a presentation base. It’s the perfect gift for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone who appreciates advanced military technology
- Thoughtful & Hassle-Free Presentation - The model is securely packaged in a protective box, ensuring it arrives in perfect condition. It’s the complete, thoughtful gift solution—no need for separate wrapping or last-minute shopping stress
| Aircraft | Role and basing relevant to the comparison | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| F-35B | Marine expeditionary operations; amphibious assault ships and expeditionary airstrips shorter than 2,000 feet | STOVL flexibility; less internal fuel and smaller internal weapon bays than the F-35C |
| F-35C | Marine operations from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases | More internal fuel and larger internal weapon bays than the F-35B |
| F-22 | Air Force air-dominance fighter with air-to-air and air-to-ground missions | The Air Force fact sheet does not describe STOVL or amphibious-ship operation |
What the dated Marine figures do—and do not—show
The Marine Aviation Plan 2022 listed planned procurement of 353 F-35Bs and 67 F-35Cs. Those are figures in an April 2022 plan, not a verified current final purchase total. A separate snapshot in the Marine Corps’ October 2025 Force Design Update reported that 11 operational squadrons and two training squadrons had transitioned, with four additional squadrons in transition. Squadron transition status and planned procurement are different measures, so they should not be treated as interchangeable totals.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Bottom line on the F-35B and F-22
The F-35B gives the Marines a fifth-generation fighter that can operate from expeditionary sea and land bases. The F-22 is built around the Air Force’s air-dominance mission and is not described by its official fact sheet as a STOVL aircraft. The Marines’ choice reflects the basing and mission requirements of expeditionary aviation, not a universal ranking of the two fighters.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Newly designed assembly model】The F-35 fighter jet assembly model kit is based on the real F-35 fighter jet, and the appearance carefully restores the classic features of the F35 fighter jet, such as the unique aircraft shape, exquisite spraying details and airplane model wheels, etc. The fighter jet model perfectly demonstrates the modern technology of the military aircraft. And the texture is very good, making the model look more refined.
- 【Easy-to-use assembly experience】The parts of the F-35 fighter jet model kit are carefully designed and made with good compatibility and fit, and can be assembled without special tools. It comes with an assembly step-by-step diagram, so even beginners can easily get started. At the same time, the assembled F35 fighter jet model is also movable, the cabin can be opened, and the fighter wheels can also move, bringing you a more vivid display effect.
- 【Product size and painting】The F-35 fighter model kit is restored according to the prototype ratio of 1:72, with specific dimensions of 24.5*17.5*5 and a weight of 0.175 pounds. The F35 fighter jet model is made of high-quality plastic material, which is not only sturdy and durable, but also not easy to oxidize and fade. The material is exquisite and lightweight, it has no sharp edges, and can effectively prevent the model from being damaged during assembly and play, which is safer.
- 【Unique decoration and gift】The F-35 fighter model is not only a beautiful handicraft, but also can be used as a decoration and collection. It is very suitable for military enthusiasts and model collectors to collect or give as gifts. For teenagers and children, the assembly process of this 1/72 F35 airplane model can exercise hands-on ability. Whether you collect it yourself or share it with like-minded people, this F35 military aircraft model can bring you endless fun and satisfaction.
- 【Worry-free Purchase】The product contains tiny parts, be careful not to let children swallow them by mistake. The fighter model kit uses a hard carton as the outer packaging to better protect the helicopter from damage during transportation. We insist on strict production requirements to control the quality of this F35 military fighter jet model to ensure that every customer is satisfied with the high-quality product. If you encounter any problems, please feel free to contact us!
Rank #4
- Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II: Designed to dominate the skies, the Lockheed Martin F-35B is the most advanced multi-combat aircraft in the world. Using stealth technologies to operate undetected in hostile airspace or relaying vital battlefield information to other friendly forces
- Aircraft Model Kits: There are a whole range of Airfix models to discover and build! With various sizes of scale models spanning across decades of military history, from WW2 model kits right through to modern commercial airplane model kits, there's model air plane kits and other military gifts for everyone at Airfix
- Military Model Kits: Whether you’re looking for an Airfix starter set gift idea or wanting to advance to the next level, these small to large real airplane models for adults to build offer more to advanced modellers. Each model plane kit comes with paints, brushes and glue ready for you to bring your model machine to life
- About this Model: Skill Level 1 (where 1 is for the beginner and 4 is for the more experienced modeller) - Ideal older kids and adult model kits for those with some experience in model building. This set has 42 Parts Total. This set includes: 1:72 Scale Model, 6x Humbrol Acrylic Paints, 2x Paint Brushes, 1x Poly Cement, Sprues and Decals
- About Us: Airfix is the UK's oldest plastic model kit manufacturer since 1952, offers a diverse range of iconic model planes, plastic figures, buildings, diorama kits, historical ships, vehicles, and innovative Quickbuild models for beginners. From military gifts and WWII model airplanes to more modern vehicles, there's model building kits for every occasion
Rank #3
- Precision Engineering Showcase - This 1:72 scale model accurately replicates the historic F-35B BF-01 prototype with its distinctive white base coat and vibrant red lightning bolt livery. The meticulously detailed lift-fan intake and exhaust doors, along with the fully articulated vectored-thrust tail nozzle, showcase its revolutionary STOVL capabilities. Die-cast model authentically captures its pioneering role in validating the world's first supersonic vertical takeoff fighter
- Superior Detail & Craftsmanship – Main fuselage in die-cast alloy for solid heft, with precision plastic parts for sharp definition on lift fan doors, intakes, and canopy. The hybrid build accurately replicates the F-35B's STOVL layout with faceted stealth surfaces, with fine engraving reproducing every panel seam and RAM edge. The flawless gray coating, accented by lift fan and swiveling nozzle details, delivers museum-quality realism—capturing the Lightning II's stealth, versatility, and expeditionary strike power
- Ready for Immediate Display - Comes fully assembled with a included display stand. Simply unbox it to showcase this engineering marvel on your desk, shelf, or in a cabinet—no tools or glue required
- Collector-Quality Presentation - Features detailed landing gear, weapon bay outlines, and a presentation base. It’s the perfect gift for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone who appreciates advanced military technology
- Thoughtful & Hassle-Free Presentation - The model is securely packaged in a protective box, ensuring it arrives in perfect condition. It’s the complete, thoughtful gift solution—no need for separate wrapping or last-minute shopping stress
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
