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Battle of the X-Planes
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
The prototype Joint Strike Fighter had to fit the design
specifications of three different armed service branches: the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marines. Ask students how each branch uses airplanes. Why do students think the government decided to build one plane with multiple uses? What are some factors to consider when designing a military fighter plane? (opponents' defenses, use, materials, production costs, and maintenance and repair). As students watch, have half the class record the specifications that each branch of the armed services required and the other half record the special
adaptations included in the two competing models.
After Watching
Discuss with students the specifications required by each branch of the armed services for the Joint Strike Fighter. How effectively did the two design groups meet all the challenges of the contract specifications? Which design did students think was most likely to be chosen? Why? What elements did the chosen design possess that helped it come out on top?
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