F-35

The F-35B is a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine stealth multirole fighter that appears in Battlefield 2.

Battlefield 2
The F-35B in Battlefield 2 is the only STOVL fighter jet in the game and one of the 4 Fixed-Wing aircraft (F-35B, F-18, F-15E, A-10) used by the United States Marine Corps. It has no PLA or MEC counterpart and is only found on the USS Essex.

Compared to the F-18
The F-35B has the same armament as the F-18 and both aircraft are single-seated, but the F-35B trades maneuverability and speed for VTOL/STOL capabilities. Thus making the F-35B easier to land, but making it slower and more vulnerable.