Col Andrew Toth, the wing commander at Eglin, called the first F-35 sortie there a “milestone for the program.”
In perhaps the most ironic of circumstances, the flight was cut short by an in-flight emergency on the vaunted new Read more
The US Air Force has reportedly taken delivery of the first production-model F-35 Lightning II — the first of a planned 1,700+ order.
A Navy Times article on test pilot Cmdr. Eric “Magic” Buus’ flight of the F-35C highlighted his description that the jet was easy to fly:
Cmdr. Eric “Magic” Buus was the first Navy test pilot to fly the F-35B and C. But hearing his take on it, you have to wonder how much the Lightning II variants really need a warm body in the cockpit.
The speculation will continue: Some theories already exist that the F-35 was purpose-built to one day be unmanned, despite its cockpit.
The Hill reports that the Armed Services committees have agreed to a “pared down” National Defense Authorization Act. The bill passed on Wednesday was “devoid” of controversial measures, including
The Burris Amendment would have permitted abortions Read more
As any aircraft design enthusiast knows, when someone creates a new aircraft design they do far more than consider the range, speed, or weapons capability. Far more prosaic issues are also important: How hard is it for the crew chief to change a tire? How quickly can it be gassed and reloaded?
How hard is it to get spare parts?
Apparently, the JSF engine, when enclosed in its Read more
The Netherlands, one of the few countries that builds its own F-16s, rather than purchasing them from the US, is reportedly reducing its fleet of F-16s by selling some to Chile.
The Dutch are also one of the partner nations in the F-35 program, which is intended to replace the F-16, though their continued participation has been controversial.
According to the Air Force Times, the second F-35 built for training Air Force pilots, not for flight test, is scheduled to be completed this week — but a date for transferring the trainers to the Air Force has yet to be set.
The F-35 is still undergoing basic flight testing at both the US Air Force and US Navy flight test facilities.
Canada has reportedly announced its intention to purchase the F-35 Lightning II to replace its CF-18 fighters.
Canada has been a funding partner in the F-35 program from its inception, though this marks the first time it announced a plan to purchase the aircraft.
The announcement has already been met with political opposition from within the Canadian government.