What type of landing gear configuration does the F-35 have?

The F-35 uses a tricycle landing gear configuration, which includes two main wheels located under the fuselage and a nose wheel situated at the front. This configuration offers several advantages, such as improved stability during takeoff and landing, better handling on the ground, and reduced risk of nose-over incidents.

The tricycle arrangement also allows for more efficient transitions during landing, where the main gear contacts the ground first, providing a stable platform for the aircraft. The design complements the F-35's capabilities, allowing it to operate from various types of runways, including shorter and improvised surfaces.

In contrast, other configurations like tailwheel, skid, or purely retractable landing gear serve different aircraft designs and operational needs, emphasizing why a tricycle landing gear is more suited for the F-35 system.