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F-35 News

2019

24 May 2019 | ACC

Hill Airmen deploy F-35 to Europe as part of Theater Security Package

The U.S. Air Force has deployed one squadron of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, Airmen, and associated equipment to Aviano Air Base, Italy, from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings, at Hill AFB, Utah, to participate in exercises and conduct training with other Europe-based aircraft as part of a Theater Security Package for the European Deterrence Initiative. The TSP provides a more robust U.S. military rotational presence in the European theater capable of deterring adversaries and assuring partners and allies of U.S. commitment to regional security.

Read Full Article @ ACC

21 May 2019 | Combat Aircraft

USAF aggressor plans laid out

The USAF plans to reactivate the 65th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nevada, and will assign nine early production F-35As to the unit. The move is part of an initiative to improve training for fifth-generation fighters against stealthy opposition. The…Read more ›

Read Full Article @ Combat Aircraft

30 April 2019 | MILAVIA News

U.S. Air Force F-35As conduct first combat employment

SOUTHWEST ASIA --
Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft conducted an air strike at Wadi Ashai, Iraq, in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve on April 30.
This strike marked the F-35A’s first combat employment.
The F-35As conducted the airstrike using a Joint Direct Attack Munition to strike an entrenched Daesh tunnel network and weapons cache deep in the Hamrin Mountains, a location able to threaten friendly forces.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News

2018

18 December 2018 | Flight Global

​Tokyo set to become second biggest F-35 operator

The Japanese cabinet has approved a plan to add an additional 105 Lockheed Martin F-35s to its planned fleet of 42 examples, potentially making it the world s second largest F-35 operator.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

19 November 2018 | IHS Jane's

F-35B first-of-class flight tests from Queen Elizabeth complete

F-35B Lightning first-of-class flight trials (fixed wing) (FOCFT[FW]) from the UK Royal Navy (RN) aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth have concluded after completion of a second phase of development testing (DT-2) off the US Eastern Seaboard. Wrapping up on 18 November, a day ahead of schedule,

Read Full Article @ IHS Jane's

19 November 2018 | ACC

F-35A combat power exercise conducted at Hill AFB

The active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th Fighter Wing conducted a combat power exercise Nov. 19, launching dozens of F-35A Lightning IIs within a condensed period of time.

Read Full Article @ ACC

15 November 2018 | Flight Global

Massive F-35 deal covers production into 2023

Lockheed Martin has won a $22.7 billion contract to supply 255 F-35 Lightning II fighters for the three branches of the US armed services and international operators.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

28 September 2018 | UK MOD

Fighter jets join forces with British aircraft carrier to make history

The first F-35 Lightning fighter jets have landed on the deck of the United Kingdom’s new aircraft carrier, making history and marking the beginning of more than half-a-century of ‘Carrier Strike’ operations.

Read Full Article @ UK MOD

28 September 2018 | Flight Global

F-35 suffers first crash in South Carolina

One day after the US Marine Corps conducted its first air strike with the Lockheed Martin F-35B over Afghanistan, another one of the stealth fighters crashed near USMC Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

28 September 2018 | Flight Global

​Lockheed Martin F-35A price dips below $90m for first time

After drawn out negotiations with the Department of Defense, Lockheed Martin signed a contract to produce the eleventh lot of the F-35A for $89.2 million per unit.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

27 September 2018 | Defense-Aerospace

Three Additional F-35s Land in Norway, Bring Total to Nine

Three years have passed since Norway received its first F-35 fighter plane during a rollout ceremony in Texas on September 22, 2015. On Friday, September 21, 2018, three new F-35 fighter aircraft landed at the Ørland Air Station, their home base. The Armed Forces now have nine F-35 stations on Norwe...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

27 September 2018 | MILAVIA News

USMC F-35B Conducts First Combat Strike in CENTCOM AOR

NSA BAHRAIN, Bahrain (NNS) -- The Marine Corps F-35B, Lightning II, conducted its first combat strike in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan, Sept. 27.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News

18 September 2018 | Flight Global

​RAAF combat squadron receives first F-35A

The Royal Australian Air Force s No. 3 squadron has received its first Lockheed Martin F-35A, the first RAAF aircraft not earmarked for the Luke AFB International Pilot Training Centre.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

6 September 2018 | Combat Aircraft

F-35Bs join Middle East operations

US Marine Corps F-35Bs of VMFA-211 ‘Avengers’, embarked with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) are operating with US Central Command for the first time. The USS Essex is now in…Read more ›

Read Full Article @ Combat Aircraft

29 August 2018 | Defense-Aerospace

Turkish Pilot Carries Out First F-35 Jet Flight In US

ANKARA --- A Turkish fighter pilot has carried out the first flight of the F-35 jet in the U.S. as part of ongoing training, the Turkish General Staff said on Tuesday. Early July, the Pentagon said Turkish pilots and maintenance personnel were being trained on the F-35 fighter jet in the state of...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

28 August 2018 | USN

F-35C Lightning II Conducts Operational Test-1 Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

F-35C Lightning II aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 are conducting their Operational Test-1 (OT-1) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and Carrier Strike Group 12 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

Read Full Article @ USN

15 August 2018 | ACC

PHOTOS: 388th FW fires F-35A cannon for first time

Pilots from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron were the first operational unit to fire the F-35A’s 25 mm cannon in a strafing run during training. The two-ship formation fired on two sets of ground targets on the Utah Test and Training range Aug. 13. Loading and firing the cannon was one of the few capabilities Airmen in the 388th and 419th FWs had yet to demonstrate. The F-35A’s internal cannon allows the aircraft to maintain stealth against air adversaries as well as fire more accurately on ground targets, giving pilots more tactical flexibility.

Read Full Article @ ACC

4 March 2018 | IHS Jane's

USMC prepares for F-35B maiden operational embarkation

The US Marine Corps (USMC) is in the final stages of preparation for the first operational shipborne embarkation of the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), with the arrival of an advance detachment of aircraft on USS Wasp (LHD-1) on 5 March.

Read Full Article @ IHS Jane's

2017

6 November 2017 | Lockheed Martin

International Allies Receive F-35 Full Mission Simulators

Lockheed Martin recently delivered F-35 Full Mission Simulators (FMS) to the Israeli, Italian, Japanese and Norwegian Air Forces – the first-ever deliveries to international F-35 operators. The simulators are critical components of the pilot training capability at F-35 operating bases in these four countries, where they will facilitate pilot qualification training, continuation training and mission rehearsal training.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

6 November 2017 | Defense-Aerospace

Norway Receives First Three F-35s

On November 3rd, three Norwegian F-35 aircraft flew from Fort Worth, Texas and landed at Ørland Air Base, Norway. “Receiving the first three aircraft is a major milestone for Norway. On November 10th, Norway will celebrate First Aircraft Arrival of the first three F-35s on Norwegian soil. Achievi...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

3 November 2017 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Detachment Arrives in Okinawa

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa --- Twelve U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and approximately 300 Airmen from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, arrived here for the aircraft’s first operational deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region Nov. 2. This is the first time the F-35s have deployed as part of a planned U.S. Pacific Command Theater Security Package.

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

15 September 2017 | Flight Global

New additions boost Israel's F-35 fleet

Israel's latest pair of Lockheed Martin F-35s landed at Nevatim air base on 14 September. The arrivals brought the total number of "Adir" jets operated by the nation's air force to seven.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

31 August 2017 | Combat Aircraft

Show of force amid North Korea tensions

In a demonstration of US commitment to supporting its allies in the region, US Marine Corps’ F-35Bs of VMFA-121 ‘Green Knights’ have deployed from MCAS Iwakuni and are operating alongside Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) F-15K fighters during a…Read more ›

Read Full Article @ Combat Aircraft

11 August 2017 | ACC

F-35As fly in weapons evaluation

Airmen from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings supported and flew their F-35A Lightning II aircraft during Combat Hammer, the first operational air-to-ground weapons evaluation for the Air Force’s newest fighter jets.

Read Full Article @ ACC

24 July 2017 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35s Surpass 100,000 Flight Hours, System Development and Demonstration Completion On Track

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft fleet recently exceeded 100,000 flight hours while the F-35 Integrated Test Force teams are completing the remaining requirements in the program's System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase. "This 100K milestone marks a significant level of maturity for the program and the F-35 weapons system," said Lockheed Martin Executive Vice President and F-35 Program General Manager Jeff Babione. "We are well positioned to complete air vehicle full 3F and mission systems software development by the end of 2017." The remaining development flight testing includes validating the final release of 3F software, F-35B ski jump testing, F-35B austere site operations, high-Mach Loads testing for both the F-35B and F-35C and completion of the remaining weapons delivery accuracy tests.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

5 July 2017 | RAF

UK F-35B OCU announced as 207 Squadron

The squadron which will train future Royal Air Force and Royal Navy F-35B Lightning pilots at RAF Marham has been announced as 207 Squadron. [...] The first Lightnings will arrive at RAF Marham in summer next year when the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy pilots currently training in the United States, will return as 617 Squadron, the Dambusters. The Lightning OCU will stand up as 207 Squadron on 1 July 2019.

Read Full Article @ RAF

28 June 2017 | ACC

First operational F-35A squadron receives final aircraft

The 388th Fighter Wing accepted its 23rd and 24th combat-coded F-35A Lightning lls last week. The June 21 addition means the 34th Fighter Squadron and 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit have their full component of operational jets.

Read Full Article @ ACC

26 June 2017 | ACC

F-35 makes historic appearance at Paris Air Show

The U.S. made history when two F-35A Lightning IIs arrived at the Paris Air Show to fly the first public aerial demonstrations here, this week. Pulling off a historic event such as this takes months of careful planning and preparation. This team had only 36 days to make it happen.

Read Full Article @ ACC

9 June 2017 | USAF News

Luke AFB temporarily cancels F-35A local flying ops

The 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, cancelled local flying operations today for F-35A Lightning II aircraft due to a series of five incidents in which pilots have experienced hypoxia-like symptoms.

Read Full Article @ USAF News

6 June 2017 | Combat Aircraft

First Japanese-assembled F-35

The first Japanese-assembled F-35A was unveiled out of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Komaki South F-35 Final Assembly and Check Out (FACO) facility on June 5. The Japan F-35 FACO is operated by MHI with technical assistance from Lockheed Martin.…Read more ›

Read Full Article @ Combat Aircraft

14 April 2017 | Flight Global

USAF F-35A deploys to Europe

A small squadron of the US Air Force s F-35As will fly to Europe this weekend for training with NATO allies, marking the F-35A s first international deployment.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

8 February 2017 | Google News

Australian F-35s and EA-18 Growler To Appear at Avalon Airshow ... - Aviation International News

The RAAF's first two Lightning IIs will make a transpacific roundtrip; the air arm's first Growler will also be there.

Read Full Article @ Google News

2016

18 December 2016 | IHS Jane's

Italy receives first operational F-35 combat aircraft

Italy became the first country outside of the United States to receive its operational Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft onto home soil, with the arrival of two F-35As at Amendola Air Force Base on 12 December. The milestone, which took place just hours before

Read Full Article @ IHS Jane's

13 December 2016 | Flight Global

First two F-35s delivered to Israel

The first two Lockheed Martin F-35Is for the Israeli air force landed on at Nevatim air force base on 12 December, delivered on schedule despite temporary delays caused by the weather.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

30 November 2016 | Flight Global

Israel approves purchase of 17 more F-35s

The Israeli cabinet on 27 November approved the purchase of 17 more Lockheed Martin F-35Is, bringing the total number for the Israeli air force (IAF) to 50.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

30 November 2016 | Flight Global

PICTURES: Japan receives first F-35

Japan has received its first Lockheed Martin F-35A , marking the first delivery of a Joint Strike Fighter acquired via the foreign military sale (FMS) route.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

23 September 2016 | Lockheed Martin

Roll Out of Japan Air Self Defense Force’s First F-35A

Mr. Kenji Wakamiya, Japan’s State Minister of Defense, address the ceremony audience as Japan’s first F-35A aircraft is revealed at the Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 23.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

2 August 2016 | DefenseNews.com

Air Force Declares F-35A Ready for Combat

In a major milestone, the US Air Force's first F-35A squadron has been declared operational.        

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

10 June 2016 | Defense-Aerospace

Denmark to Buy Only 21 F-35s As Final Six Are Conditional

COPENHAGEN --- An agreement was concluded between the government and the Social Democrats, the Danish People's Party, the Liberal Alliance and the Social Liberals for the acquisition of new fighter aircraft to replace the current F-16 aircraft.

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

24 May 2016 | DefenseNews.com

Dutch F-35s Land in the Netherlands

The Netherlands' first two F-35s arrive at Leeuwarden Air Base, marking fifth-generation jet's first eastbound transatlantic crossing.        

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

23 May 2016 | Flight Global

PICTURES: Two Dutch F-35s arrive at Leeuwarden Air Base

Two Lockheed Martin F-35s belonging to the Royal Netherlands Air Force have departed North America on the first eastbound transatlantic crossing of the fifth-generation fighter type, touching down at Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands at approximately 8:45pm local time.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

12 May 2016 | Flight Global

Denmark picks F-35 for 27-aircraft deal

Denmark s government and defence ministry have recommended the selection of the Lockheed Martin F-35 as the nation s future combat aircraft, following an evaluation involving the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

29 March 2016 | Flight Global

Slimmed-down F-35 Gen III helmet to be introduced sooner

The Pentagon is bullish about resolving issues with the F-35 Lightning II s escape system that has restricted lightweight pilots of from flying the fifth-generation combat jet, with the joint programme office (JPO) now expecting delivery of a slimmed-down Gen III helmet from Rockwell Collins by November for rollout in 2017.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

25 March 2016 | DefenseNews.com

F-35 Will Fly Until 2070 — Six Years Longer Than Planned

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will fly until 2070, reflecting a decision by the US armed services to extend the operational life of the fleet by six years.        

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

11 February 2016 | NAVAIR

F-35 Lightning II worldwide fleet exceeds 50,000 flying hours

ARLINGTON, Va. — F-35 Lightning II aircraft operating at 12 different locations worldwide surpassed the 50,000 flight hour mark this month. The first flight hour was achieved by an F-35B aircraft, BF-01, June 1, 2008. The 25,000 flight hour milestone occurred in December 2014, six years and six months later. As a sign of program growth and maturity, the second 25,000 flight hours were reached only one year and two months later.

Read Full Article @ NAVAIR

26 January 2016 | BADA

RIAT2016: Air Tattoo prepares for F-35 debut

AVIATION history is set to be made in the UK this summer when, in a major airshow ‘first’, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the Joint Strike Fighter, makes its much-anticipated international display debut. Visitors to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford will be the first outside the US to see the stealthy, […]

Read Full Article @ BADA

2015

21 December 2015 | DefenseNews.com

Lockheed Martin Delivers 45 F-35s in 2015

Lockheed Martin delivered 45 F-35 fighter jets to US and international armed forces in 2015, meeting the production goal for the year.        

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

10 September 2015 | IHS Jane's

F-35 takes first flight outside the United States

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) flew outside of the United States for the first time on 7 September, with the maiden flight of aircraft AL-1 from the Cameri final assembly and check out (FACO) facility in Italy. AL-1, which is the first F-35A for the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana: AMI), flew for 1 h 22 min from the Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi and Lockheed Martin facility.

Read Full Article @ IHS Jane's

10 September 2015 | Flight Global

Lockheed reveals Advanced EOTS targeting sensor for F-35 Block 4

Lockheed Martin has announced an improved version of its Electro-Optical Targeting System for the F-35, called Advanced EOTS, just months after the long-delayed fifth-generation fighter was declared fit for combat with the Marine Corps.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

2 September 2015 | MILAVIA News

First operational F-35As arrive at Hill AFB

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The Air Force ushered in a new era of combat air power today as Hill Air Force Base received the service's first two operational F-35As.

Hill's active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Reserve 419th Fighter Wing will be the first combat-coded units to fly and maintain the Air Force's newest fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News

22 July 2015 | ACC

First F-35 fighter squadron activated at Hill

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The jets won't arrive for another few months, but the first F-35 fighter squadron has officially started work at Hill Air Force Base. The 34th Fighter Squadron -- affectionately known as the Rude Rams -- was reactivated at Hill Friday afternoon, marking the beginning of the F-35's combat era for both the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings. The fighter squadron is a historic one, with a past that can be traced back to Word War II and includes participation in conflicts from Vietnam and the first Gulf War to Iraq and Afghanistan, post Sept. 11, 2001. The squadron was mothballed as an F-16 unit in 2010 as part of an Air Force restructuring plan to retire planes and save money, but it returns to accommodate the F-16's replacement, becoming the first operational Air Force unit to fly combat-coded F-35s.

Read Full Article @ ACC

25 June 2015 | ACC

31st TES F-35s take on Green Flag 15-08

NELLIS AFB, Nev. --- F-35A Lightning IIs from the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron played the U.S. Army’s primary close air support platform during the latest iteration of the Green Flag exercise, GF 15-08, as the Air Force’s program works toward its goal of declaring initial operational capability by the end of this year.

Read Full Article @ ACC

24 June 2015 | Flight Global

F-35B demonstrates short take-off capability

​The UK and USA have carried out the first short take-off test of the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II during a ground-based test at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland, USA on 19 June.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

19 June 2015 | DefenseNews.com

Italy Plans First F-35 Flight in October

The first F-35 flight outside the US will take place in October when Italy's first F-35 begins test flights after rolling off the country's final assembly line, a Lockheed Martin official said.        

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

15 April 2015 | IHS Jane's

Israel to get first F-35s in 2016

Two Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters will arrive in Israel in December 2016, making the Israeli Air Force (IAF) the first outside of the United States to receive the fifth-generation combat aircraft, a senior Lockheed Martin official said on 15 April. The two jets are among 33 F-35s that Israel currently has on order. The defence establishment is keen to acquire another 17 in the coming years to form two full squadrons.

Read Full Article @ IHS Jane's

22 March 2015 | Flight Global

RAAF’s first F-35A pilot takes to the skies

The Royal Australian Air Force’s first pilot of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has completed his first flight.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

12 March 2015 | Lockheed Martin

First-Ever Italian F-35a ‘Rolls Out’ Of Cameri Production Facility

Italy’s first built F-35A, aircraft AL-1, which will also be the first jet operated by the Italian Air Force, prepares for its roll out from the Cameri, Italy Final Assembly & Check Out (FACO) facility, Mar. 12.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

3 March 2015 | Flight Global

Dutch parliament approves first F-35 production order

The Dutch parliament has approved an order for the nation’s first production batch of eight Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs, to be delivered in 2019.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

10 February 2015 | RAF

Lightning Strikes 100 Year Old Squadron

Operational testing of the UK’s first F-35B Lightning ll aircraft started this week at Edwards Air Force Base in California by 17 (Reserve) Squadron, 100 years after the unit was first established.

Read Full Article @ RAF

26 January 2015 | Flight Global

UK details operational conversion unit plan for F-35

​The UK’s future operational conversion unit for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is expected to begin providing training using five of the stealthy aircraft, the Ministry of Defence has revealed.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

9 January 2015 | RAF

US announces first F-35 in Europe to be based in the UK

RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk will become home to the first 2 US F-35 fighter jet squadrons in Europe.

Read Full Article @ RAF

7 January 2015 | Flight Global

F-35 programme office defends gun and sensor

​Two critical close air support systems – a 25mm cannon and an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) – will be available on the Lockheed Martin F-35 by 2017 and will meet expectations, say programme officials on 7 January.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

7 January 2015 | DefenseNews.com

Turkey To Order 4 More F-35s, 5 More Chinooks

Turkey's top procurement panel decided Jan. 7 to place an order for four more F-35 fighter jets and five more CH-47F Chinook heavy transport helicopters        

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

2014

22 December 2014 | IHS Jane's

US Marine Corps receives first carrier variant F-35C

The US Marine Corps (USMC) has received its first carrier variant (CV) Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), the company announced on 22 December. Aircraft CF-19 will now be transferred from the Fort Worth production facility in Texas to the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin...

Read Full Article @ IHS Jane's

22 December 2014 | USAF News

Australian F-35 lands at new home

The first Royal Australian air force F-35A Lightning II jet arrived Dec. 18, 2014, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The jet's arrival marks the first international partner F-35 to arrive for training at Luke AFB.

Read Full Article @ USAF News

16 December 2014 | Flight Global

Dutch F-35 orders ready to take off

​The Netherlands’ defence ministry has announced plans to order a first batch of eight operational Lockheed Martin F-35s, with the type to be delivered from 2019.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

1 December 2014 | Flight Global

Israel approves order for 14 more F-35s

Israel is to acquire a second batch of 14 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters, after the nation’s cabinet approved the purchase on 30 November.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

25 November 2014 | DefenseNews.com

UK Confirms First F-35 Orders

LONDON — Britain on Monday announced it signed a contract with US manufacturer Lockheed Martin to buy the first of 14 F-35B combat jets. The four Lightning II stealth combat aircraft will operate from both of the Royal Navy’s forthcoming new aircraft carriers and from Royal Air Force land bases, with another 10 due to be ordered over the next five years. The first batch is expected to be delivered in 2016 and will take up station in 2018.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

25 November 2014 | Flight Global

F-35B makes first flight with UK weapons

​A UK test team has completed an initial series of handling flights of a Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II carrying trial rounds of the Raytheon Systems Paveway IV precision-guided bomb and MBDA ASRAAM air-to-air missile.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

21 November 2014 | Flight Global

Lockheed seals $4.7bn deal for latest lot of F-35 fighters

The US government and Lockheed Martin on 21 November finalised a $4.7 billion contract for 43 F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Included in the eighth low-rate initial production (LRIP) deal is $500 million in advanced procurement funding for later productions lots, according to the F-35 joint programme office. The deal includes 39 jets for the US military and 14 for various international customers.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

11 November 2014 | Flight Global

First Dutch F-35 squadron established

​The Royal Netherlands Air Force on 4 November changed the command of its Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II detachment at Eglin AFB, Florida to 323 Sqn. The unit had been officially disbanded on 31 October at Leeuwarden air base, having previously operated the Lockheed F-16.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

5 November 2014 | NAVAIR

F-35C Lightning II completes first carrier launch

PACIFIC OCEAN -- The F-35C Lightning II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter completes its first carrier launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Nov. 4. The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force is conducting initial at-sea trials aboard Nimitz.

Read Full Article @ NAVAIR

4 November 2014 | MILAVIA News

First F-35C lands aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carrier

USS NIMITZ, AT SEA -- The Navy made aviation history Nov. 3 as an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter conducted its first arrested landing aboard an aircraft carrier off the coast of San Diego.

Navy test pilot Cmdr. Tony Wilson landed F-35C test aircraft CF-03 at 12:18 p.m. aboard USS Nimitz's (CVN 68) flight deck.

The arrested landing is part of initial at-sea Developmental Testing I (DT-I) for the F-35C, which commenced Nov. 3 and is expected to last two weeks.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News

1 November 2014 | DefenseNews.com

F-35 Heading Toward Block Buy

Every year, the Pentagon and its corporate partners hash out contracts for individual low-rate initial production (LRIP) lots of the F-35 joint strike fighter. If the man running the program has his say, those days are numbered.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

28 October 2014 | RAF

UK MOD set to order first production batch F-35B Lightning II

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon today announced that the MOD has reached agreement in principle on an order for the first production batch of four Lightning II stealth combat aircraft

Read Full Article @ RAF

27 October 2014 | Lockheed Martin

DOD and Lockheed Martin Announce Principle Agreement on Purchase of F-35s

WASHINGTON D.C. – Oct. 27, 2014 - The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin have reached an agreement in principle for the production of 43 F-35 Lightning II aircraft.  Officials anticipate the Low-Rate Initial Production lot 8 (LRIP 8) contract to be finalized in the coming weeks.  The contract is for fiscal year 2014 with deliveries beginning in 2016.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

15 October 2014 | DefenseNews.com

Pentagon, Pratt Cut Deal for F-35 Engines, Modifications

The F-35 joint program office (JPO) announced Tuesday evening that it has reached an agreement with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney on two key milestones - identifying the root cause of an engine issue that caused a fire in June, and on a contract for the next lot of engines for the stealthy fighter.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

1 October 2014 | IHS Jane's

First Australian F-35A completes maiden flight

Australia's first Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter completed its maiden flight on 29 September, the company announced. Lockheed Martin F-35 Chief Test Pilot Alan Norman flew a two-hour sortie to perform a series of functional checks, the company said in a 1 October statement.

Read Full Article @ IHS Jane's

24 September 2014 | DefenseNews.com

GAO Questions F-35 Sustainment Estimates

Sustainment estimates for the F-35 joint strike fighter may not be realistic and require further study before a plan is finalized, the government's watchdog wrote in a new report.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

23 September 2014 | IHS Jane's

South Korea agrees to buy F-35s

South Korea has approved a deal to acquire 40 Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for about KRW7.3 trillion (USD7.1 billion). The Defense Acquisition Program Executive Committee headed by Minister of National Defense Han Min-gu approved the signing of a letter of offer and acceptance at a

Read Full Article @ IHS Jane's

25 August 2014 | Lockheed Martin

F-35 Flight Test Program Milestones - August 2014

FORT WORTH, Texas, August 25, 2014 –The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program continued a steady path of flight test milestones in August, including weapons separation, software compatibility and flight hours...

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

1 August 2014 | RAF

F-35B Successfully Completes Wet Runway And Crosswind Testing

Fort Worth, Texas, July 30, 2014 – In an important program milestone enabling U.S. Marines Corps Initial Operational Capability (IOC) certification, the Lockheed Martin F-35B

Read Full Article @ RAF

30 July 2014 | DefenseNews.com

Some F-35 Flight Restrictions Lifted

The Pentagon has lifted some flight restrictions on F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, while inspections will continue for the foreseeable future, according to a Defense Department official.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

24 July 2014 | Lockheed Martin

First Two Australian F-35s Roll Out Of Factory

Fort Worth, Texas, July 24, 2014 - A ceremony was held today at Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], commemorating the official roll out of the first two F-35 Lightning II aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

16 July 2014 | ACC

F-35 returns to limited flight, officials rule out Farnborough

While the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter has returned to limited flying, it will not be appearing at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said during a Pentagon news conference July 15. The F-35 fleet was grounded July 3 in the wake of a June 23 engine fire on the runway at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Navy and Air Force airworthiness authorities recommended the F-35's return to flight yesterday, pending approval by commanders. more...

Read Full Article @ ACC

10 July 2014 | DefenseNews.com

Pentagon F-35 Farnborough Announcement Not Expected Thursday

The Pentagon is not expected to announce Thursday whether the F-35 joint strike fighter will fly to the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, a defense official said.

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10 July 2014 | Flight Global

F-35 to miss RIAT, show organiser says

​The continuation of a grounding order imposed on the Lockheed Martin F-35 fleet on 3 July means the type will not be taking part in the 11-13 July Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the show's organisers have confirmed.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

4 July 2014 | Defense-Aerospace

Pentagon Grounds Entire F-35 Fleet

The Pentagon has grounded the entire fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters while it investigates a June 23 “runway fire incident” that is said to have destroyed a US Air Force F-35A that was preparing for take-off. This is the first official statement on the June 23 incident, and ends ...

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24 June 2014 | DefenseNews.com

USAF: F-35 Fire Will Not Ground Fleet

The fire that broke out on an F-35A model Monday will not ground the fleet or alter plans to bring the Joint Strike Fighter to the UK, service officials said today.

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24 June 2014 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35A Fleet Grounded After Engine Fire

The US Air Force grounded 26 F-35A fighters at Eglin Air Force Base after one caught fire as it was preparing to take off for a training flight, a Pentagon spokesman said. The pilot aborted the takeoff and was not injured, Joe DellaVedova, spokesman for the Pentagon's F-35 program office...

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23 June 2014 | Flight Global

Australia reveals interest in F-35B

Australian defence chiefs have told a hearing by the Senate’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee that prime minister Tony Abbott’s coalition government is considering whether to acquire a number of short take-off and vertical landing Lockheed Martin F-35Bs.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

15 June 2014 | DefenseNews.com

Turkey Looks To Have Dual Fighter Fleet by 2023

Turkey's procurement and military officials are hoping to build a new generation, dual fighter jet fleet by their country's centennial - 2023 - comprising F-35s and indigenous aircraft Ankara has been designing.

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13 June 2014 | DefenseNews.com

F-35 Stable, but Software Potential Long-Term Issue

The F-35 program is largely on track, but software remains a concern that could lead to delays down the road, according to top Pentagon officials.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

11 June 2014 | Flight Global

US House panel backs EA-18 and, F-35, but nixes A-10 and OH-58

The budgetary dogfight between the Lockheed Martin F-35 and Boeing EA-18G produced two winners in the version of the Fiscal 2015 defence spending bill passed on 10 June by the House Appropriations Committee.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

6 June 2014 | Flight Global

Three F-35B Lightning IIs to fly at RIAT 2014

​More than 150 military and civil aircraft from all over the world are confirmed as participants in the 2014 Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, UK, the stars of the show being three Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning IIs.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

30 May 2014 | USAF News

Eglin AFB F-35s surpass 5,000 combined sorties

The 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, etched another mark on the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program by logging its 5,000th combined sortie, May 28.

Read Full Article @ USAF News

29 May 2014 | MILAVIA News

All Three F-35 Variants Achieved Flight Test Milestone on Same Day

In three separate flight tests on May 27, Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft demonstrated air-to-air combat capability, completed the first flight test with the next level software load and accomplished a landing at the maximum test speed and drop rate.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News

28 May 2014 | IHS Jane's

Australia could buy F-35B STOVL variant

Australia will consider buying the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in addition to the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant to which it has already committed, a spokesman for Defence Minister David Johnston confirmed on 26 May.

Read Full Article @ IHS Jane's

13 May 2014 | USAF News

F-35 flies first training sortie at Luke AFB

An F-35 Lightning II took to the skies over the West Valley, Arizona, May 5, in what was the first local training sortie for the fifth-generation fighter jet.

Read Full Article @ USAF News

7 May 2014 | Flight Global

Turkey confirms F-35 procurement plans

​After a 15-month delay, Turkey has approved a decision to order an initial two Lockheed Martin F-35s, launching the acquisition phase of its next-generation fighter project.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

22 April 2014 | Flight Global

Australia to confirm 58-aircraft F-35 order

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will on 23 April announce that his government has approved the acquisition of 58 more Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

17 April 2014 | RAF

F-35B set to make international debut at RIAT and Farnborough

F-35 Lightning II will fly in Britain for the first time this summer, making its international debut in July at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, also flying at the Farnborough International Air Show.

Read Full Article @ RAF

15 April 2014 | Lockheed Martin

F-35 Fleet Surpasses 15,000 Flying Hours

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 15, 2014 - The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fleet recently surpassed 15,000 flight hours, marking a major milestone for the program.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

27 March 2014 | Flight Global

F-35 programme chief highlights software, engine problems

The head of the US military's F-35 programme insisted on 26 March that Lockheed Martin and other suppliers must make improvements to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme before the government awards contracts for higher production rates.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

18 March 2014 | DefenseNews.com

Italy Eyes Further Cuts to JSF Purchase

New Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has suggested Italy will cut its purchase of joint strike fighters as the government struggles to bring down state spending.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

14 March 2014 | Lockheed Martin

Luke Air Force Base Receives First F-35A Lightning II

Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., March 14, 2014 - The first F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing was officially delivered during a ceremony attended by dignitaries and hundreds of local civic leaders, wing military and civilian members here today. The F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing variant, known as LF 5030, is the first of 144 F-35As scheduled for delivery to the base.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

11 March 2014 | USAF News

First F-35 Lightning II arrives at Luke AFB

Escorted by two F-16 fighting Falcons, Luke Air Force Base's first F-35 Lightning II arrived a little after 11 a.m. March 10, from the Lockheed Martin factory in Fort Worth, Texas.

Read Full Article @ USAF News

10 March 2014 | DefenseNews.com

US Navy Budget Takes Bite Out of Aircraft, Weapons

Most of the US Navy's aviation programs take significant hits in the 2015 budget, including the P-8A Poseidon, F-35C Joint Strike Fighter, and MH-60R helicopter, and plans to buy the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned shipboard aircraft have been shelved for now. [...] F-35B Joint Strike Fighter for the Marine Corps holds at previous levels, buys for the F-35C carrier variant were slashed, dropping from last year’s plan to buy 49 from 2015 to 2018 to 20.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

7 March 2014 | RAF

First Vertical Landing in a F-35B by a British Pilot

Squadron Leader Hugh Nichols makes the first vertical landing in a F-35B Lightning II fighter jet by a British pilot at Eglin Air Force Base in the USA

Read Full Article @ RAF

24 February 2014 | Flight Global

USAF confident F-35A will reach IOC in December 2016

​Despite fresh F-35 delays, a top US Air Force official says he remains confident the USAF version of the fighter will meet initial operational capability (IOC) by December 2016, as planned.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

21 February 2014 | AviationWeek

More Cracks Found In F-35B's Second-Life Testing

Cracks on an F-35B’s primary support structure found last year are more extensive than previously thought, triggering a halt in ground-based durability testing until the fourth quarter of this year.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

6 February 2014 | IHS Jane's

UK to approve bulk F-35B buy in 2017

Financial approval for the UK's main procurement of the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)/Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) is expected in the next three years, a government minister disclosed on 5 February.

Read Full Article @ IHS Jane's

24 January 2014 | Defense-Aerospace

Pentagon Reports “Unacceptable” F-35 Software Performance

WASHINGTON --- A new U.S. Defense Department report warns that ongoing software, maintenance and reliability problems with Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighter could delay the Marine Corps' plans to start using its F-35 jets by mid-2015. The latest report by the Pentagon's chief weapons ...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

10 January 2014 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35: Norway Stresses Need for Brake Chute, JSM

WASHINGTON --- Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide today met with the chief of the American fighter program, Lieutenant General Bogdan. It is important that the program maintain its positive momentum, and continue to prepare to receive the first aircraft in Europe, the minister said after the meeti...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

2013

13 December 2013 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Celebrates 100th F-35 Lightning II

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 13, 2013 – At a ceremony attended by more than 2,000 employees and guests, Lockheed Martin celebrated the production of its 100th F-35 Lightning II.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

12 December 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

TAI Delivers First F-35 Centre Fuselage to Northrop

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has delivered its first F-35 Lightning II centre fuselage to Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin at a ceremony held at TAI's facilities in Ankara, Turkey today. This is the first F-35 centre fuselage manufactured by TAI as an international manufacturing partner...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

5 December 2013 | ACC

Hill AFB selected to receive first operational F-35A aircraft

After a four-year process, U.S. Air Force officials have named Hill Air Force Base, Utah, the new home for the Air Force's first operational F-35A Lightning IIs.

Read Full Article @ ACC

29 November 2013 | RAF

Lightning II Impresses RAF Pilot as Training continues in USA

As training with the new F-35B Lightning II stealth aircraft continues in Florida, USA, a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot has described how impressed he is with the ‘game-changing’ jet

Read Full Article @ RAF

28 November 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

Korean Lawmakers Demand Renegotiation of F-35 Buy

SEOUL --- Senior lawmakers and officials of the ruling Saenuri Party called on the government Wednesday to renegotiate the purchase of 40 Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighters from the United States, saying the deal would be unfair. Last week, the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that it would buy...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

25 November 2013 | DefenseNews.com

South Korea To Buy 40 F-35s; 20 More Jets Still Open

South Korea decided to buy 40 F-35 conventional take-off joint strike fighters in a bid to better respond to North Korea's increasing nuclear and missile threats, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) announced Friday.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

14 November 2013 | Flight Global

F-35 on track to meet IOC targets, official says

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is on track to meet the US military’s planned initial operating capability (IOC) targets from late 2015, a senior programme official says.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

8 November 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Dutch Parliament Clears F-35 Purchase

The Dutch Parliament has ratified the government's choice of the F-35 as the Netherlands next-generation fighter, putting an end to a 15-year debate.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

31 October 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35B Launches Guided Weapon, Hits Tank

An F-35B short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter aircraft piloted by Marine Corps Maj. Richard Rusnok, successfully employed a Guided Bomb Unit-12 (GBU-12) Paveway II laser-guided weapon from the F-35's internal weapons bay against a fixed ground tank test target yesterday.

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

30 October 2013 | AviationWeek

Pentagon To Boost Fiscal Year 2015 F-35 Output

The Pentagon this week said the Lockheed Martin F-35 program had made sufficient improvement to plan for higher production in fiscal year 2015, but contract awards would be tied to progress on the fighter jet’s software, reliability and other issues.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

29 October 2013 | USMC

Marines fly first F-35 STOVL mission at Eglin

The 33rd Fighter Wing and the F-35 Lightning II program reached a new milestone when Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron-501 completed its first short take-off and vertical landing mission here Oct. 24.Maj. Brendan M. Walsh flew the hour-long mission in which the aircraft remained in the STOVL configuration for the entire flight.  The aircraft...

Read Full Article @ USMC

27 October 2013 | DefenseNews.com

S. Korea Envisions Light Aircraft Carrier

The South Korean Navy believes it can deploy two light aircraft carriers by 2036 and expand its blue-water force to cope with the rapid naval buildups of China and Japan, according to a Navy source.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

27 October 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Turkey To Reissue F-35 Order

Turkey's procurement authorities will reissue an order for the first two F-35 joint strike fighters the country intended to buy but suspended at the beginning of this year.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

21 October 2013 | Flight Global

Israel could maintain F-35s under US supervision

​An agreement to perform depot-level maintenance on Israeli air force Lockheed Martin F-35s in Israel under US supervision could solve an ongoing dispute about the issue.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

16 October 2013 | Flight Global

Norway to purchase six additional F-35A Joint Strike Fighters

"In the budget proposal for 2014, the Parliament is asked to approve the procurement of another six aircraft for planned delivery in 2018, in addition to the 10 aircraft already approved for procurement," the Norwegian defence ministry says.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

11 October 2013 | Flight Global

Cracks discovered on F-35B bulkheads

Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) say that two structural cracks have been found during durability trials on a short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) variant ground test article.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

10 October 2013 | Lockheed Martin

F-35 Program Halts Development Of Alternate Helmet

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 10, 2013 – The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) today informed Lockheed Martin that it decided to halt development of the alternate F-35 helmet and focus exclusively on maturing the Rockwell Collins Elbit Systems of America Vision Systems Generation 2 (Gen 2) helmet currently used in training and testing. The program will recoup approximately $45 million in funds it had originally allocated for the development of the alternate helmet.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

9 October 2013 | Lockheed Martin

F-35 Lightning II Program Surpasses 10,000 Flight Hours

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 9, 2013 – The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II program continues its operational maturation, surpassing 10,000 flight hours in September. More than half of the total hours were accumulated in just the past 11 months. Through September, F-35s flew 6,492 times for a total of 10,077 flight hours. The new milestone effectively doubles the safe flight operations of the F-35 in a year, compared to reaching 5,000 flight hours in six years.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

9 October 2013 | Lockheed Martin

First F-35 For Australia Takes Shape In Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 8, 2013 – Lockheed Martin and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) celebrated the beginnings of the first F-35 Lightning II for Australia yesterday. The aircraft, designated as AU-1, officially began the mate process, where major components of the aircraft are joined together to form the aircraft’s structure. AU-1 will then make its way down the assembly line and roll out of the factory for delivery to the RAAF in the summer of 2014.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

2 October 2013 | Lockheed Martin

Navy Stands Up F-35C Squadron At Eglin

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 2, 2013 – Tuesday, the U.S. Navy and the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla., officially reconstituted the highly decorated VFA-101 Grim Reapers Squadron during ceremonies held on the Emerald Coast.  

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

1 October 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

IG Report: Military Lost Control of F-35 Contractors

The military's watchdog has found hundreds of flaws in the way giant defense contractors produced the F-35 fighter jet – flaws that made what was already the most expensive weapons system in history even more costly to American taxpayers and flaws that should have been caught by the program's milita...

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29 September 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Italy, Norway Jets Part of $3.4B F-35 Deal

The Pentagon awarded Lockheed Martin a $3.4 billion contract for 35 F-35 joint strike fighters, a contract that includes the first aircraft orders for Italy and Norway.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

29 September 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Lockheed Reaches Final Agreement on F-35 Lots

Lockheed Martin has reached final agreement on the sixth and seventh batch of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, for the first time dropping the cost of an F-35A conventional variant below $100 million.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

29 September 2013 | DefenseNews.com

F-35 Back in S. Korea Fighter Contest

After it was dropped from consideration in South Korea's fighter competition, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter appears to be back in the running after a Defense Ministry source cited the need to counter North Korea with a fifth-generation fighter.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

26 September 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

Pentagon IG Finds 343 Faults in F-35

The Pentagon’s inspector general has flagged hundreds of deficiencies and corrective actions needed for Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 fighter, the military’s costliest program. The watchdog office’s “quality assessment” outlines what it calls ineffective management by Pentagon oversight personnel ...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

20 September 2013 | Lockheed Martin

Ogden ALC Welcomes Its First F-35 Lightning II

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 20, 2013 – The U.S. Air Force’s  Air Logistics Complex (ALC) at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah, hosted a ceremony today marking the arrival of the first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft to a depot facility. The aircraft ferried from Nellis AFB, Nev., and will be the first Air Force F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant used in the Block 2B Operational Testing & Evaluation (OT&E) program in 2015. The aircraft will receive a series of structural and systems modifications at Ogden to enhance critical capabilities needed during OT&E testing. This marks the second depot opened this year. In July, the U.S. Marines welcomed the first F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant at Cherry Point, N.C.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

17 September 2013 | Flight Global

Netherlands cuts F-35 fleet plan to 37 fighters

The Netherlands’ government has confirmed the selection of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to replace the nation’s aged F-16s, but its purchase...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

17 September 2013 | MILAVIA News

Selection of F-35 for the Netherlands Made Official

The strategic paper ‘In the interest of the Netherlands’ presented by the Dutch Minister of Defense, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, on 17 September 2013 officially confirms the selection of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) to replace the F-16 fleet of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News

6 September 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Denmark Prioritizes Jobs in New Fighter Competition

Job creation will stand as the chief factor when the Danish government convenes to select a replacement type for its aging F-16 fleet in mid-2015.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

29 August 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

First Weapon Loading Tests for F-35A

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --- After months of preparation the weapons troop Standardization Load Crew from the 33rd Maintenance Group performed the first munitions load verification on the F-35A Lightning II here Aug. 27. "Over the next couple of days, our 33d Fighter Wing maintenance professio...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

27 August 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

USS Wasp CO Describes F-35 Sea Trials

USS Wasp (LHD 1) Sailors are supporting testing and validation of the F-35B Lightning II until Aug. 30. In this blog, the ship’s commanding officer, Capt. Brian Teets, explains how Wasp has prepared for the testing. For 24 years, USS Wasp (LHD 1) has been honored to be the first in class...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

23 August 2013 | Lockheed Martin

F-35C Completes First In-Flight Refuel With USAF KC-135

On Aug. 20, an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant (CV) refueled from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 for the first time. With the completion of this test, the F-35C joins the A and B models in proving that all three variants of the F-35 can be refueled from a common tanker platform, despite different methods. The aircraft, known as CF-1, was piloted by Lt. Col. Patrick Moran.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

16 August 2013 | Flight Global

USMC F-35B test pilot makes first shipboard night landing

A US Marine Corps test pilot has performed the first vertical night landing at sea on board the USS Wasp with a Lockheed Martin F-35B Joint Strike...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

16 August 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

F-15, Eurofighter Meet Korean Fighter Budget

Boeing’s F-15 Silent Eagle and European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS)’s Eurofighter Tranche 3 Typhoon came within the given budget of the F-X program, an industry source said, Friday. According to the source, Boeing and the EADS met the procurement price of 8.3 trillion won ($7.5 billion) on the final day of an extra three-day auction for purchase of 60 “next-generation” fighter jets. The other combat plane, which was up against the F-15 and the Eurofighter, is Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

16 August 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

US Navy Pilot Flies First F-35C Sortie

SAN DIEGO --- Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, the Navy's first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft squadron, completed its first flight Aug. 14 in its new aircraft at the squadron's home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The 1.3 hour flight was made by VFA-101 naval aviator Lt. Cmdr. Chris Tabert. The flight followed a decision by Commander, Naval Air Force, Pacific, Vice Adm. David Buss Aug. 8, granting the Fleet Replacement Squadron interim "safe for flight" status. ...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

6 August 2013 | Lockheed Martin

Ready For Sea Trials; F-35B Completes 500th Vertical Landing

FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug.6, 2013 – The Lockheed Martin F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft completed its 500th vertical landing August 3. BF-1, the aircraft which completed this achievement, also accomplished the variant’s first vertical landing in March 2010 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD. Next week, Sea Trials, known as Developmental Test 2 (DT-2) are scheduled to begin for the F-35B variant onboard the USS WASP. DT-2 is the second of three planned tests aimed at defining and expanding the F-35B’s shipboard operating envelope for the U.S. Marine Corps. The first shipboard testing phase was successfully completed in October 2011. The successful completion of the upcoming Sea Trials is key to declaring F-35 Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the U.S. Marine Corps in 2015.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

30 July 2013 | Flight Global

Lockheed agrees on price cuts for next 71 F-35s

Lockheed Martin has agreed to reduce prices on orders for the next 71 F-35 strike fighters from between 4% and 8% to avoid losing orders due to the US military's...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

30 July 2013 | Lockheed Martin

Principle Agreement Reached On Two Lower Cost F-35 Contracts

Washington D.C., July 30, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin reached an agreement in principle for the next two F-35 Lightning II aircraft production contracts (Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lots 6 and 7), which is expected to include 71 stealth fighter aircraft and continue a reduction in F-35 aircraft pricing. The contracting effort spanned six months from proposal to settlement.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

25 July 2013 | Lockheed Martin

100th Jet In Final Production; First F-35 Bound For Luke

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 25, 2013 – The 100th Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the first aircraft destined for Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Ariz., has entered the last stage of final assembly. This conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft, known as AF-41, is scheduled to arrive at the base next year. [...] AF-41 is one of 126 F-35s in various stages of production worldwide.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

18 July 2013 | Flight Global

Italy opens F-35 assembly line, as political opposition grows

Italy launched assembly activities on its first Lockheed Martin F-35A combat aircraft at Cameri air base on 18 July ...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

18 July 2013 | RAF

Dambusters To Be Next Lightning II Squadron

The Royal Air Force has today announced that 617 Squadron, the famous ‘Dambusters’, will be the first operational squadron using Lightning II aircraft.

Read Full Article @ RAF

27 June 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Italy's JSF Buy Still A Go, Despite Opposition

Italy's plan to purchase 90 Joint Strike Fighters has survived a rebellion by Italian parliamentarians seeking to halt the program.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

24 June 2013 | Lockheed Martin

First Lockheed Martin F-35C Reports to the Navy

The first Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II Navy carrier variant (CV) aircraft, CF-6, arrived at Strike Fighter Squadron 101 located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., on Saturday. The jet is the Navy’s first 5th generation F-35 production aircraft.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

19 June 2013 | USAF News

Joint Strike Fighter on track, costs coming down, Kendall says

Indications are that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program -- the most expensive aviation program in Defense Department history -- is on track, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics told a Senate panel here June 19. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee this morning, Frank Kendall said the F-35 will be the premier strike aircraft for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. ...

Read Full Article @ USAF News

17 June 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Japan Might Delay F-35 Purchases

Former Japanese Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto, the architect of Japan's decision to purchase F-35 joint strike fighters to boost Japan's deterrence against China, now believes cost pressures caused by the recent plummeting value of the yen could delay

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

8 June 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Pentagon: First F-35s Operational in 2015

The F-35 joint strike fighter will be operational for the US Marines in December 2015, followed by the Air Force in December 2016 and the Navy in February 2019.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

4 June 2013 | Lockheed Martin

Pilot Completes First F-35 Vertical Landing for Royal Air Force

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., June 4, 2013 – Squadron Leader Jim Schofield became the first Royal Air Force pilot to complete a vertical landing of a F-35B Lightning II on May 28.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

21 May 2013 | USAF News

F-35A instructor pilots qualify in aerial refueling

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The initial cadre of F-35A Lightning II instructor pilots qualified in aerial refueling last week, adding another capability for student pilot training at the 33rd Fighter Wing's F-35 Integrated Training Center here.

Read Full Article @ USAF News

20 May 2013 | Lockheed Martin

F-35B Completes First Vertical Takeoff

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., May 20, 2013 –  A Lockheed Martin F-35B Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (STOVL) Lightning II test aircraft recently completed the first-ever Vertical Takeoff (VTO) on May 10. VTOs are one of the many capabilities required for the fielding an F-35B aircraft.  While not a combat capability, VTOs are required for repositioning of the STOVL in environments where a jet could not perform a short takeoff.  In these cases, the jet, with a limited amount of fuel, would execute a VTO to travel a short distance.  

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

10 May 2013 | Flight Global

Stealth coatings on F-35 'easier to maintain' than on older jets

US Air Force maintainers for the F-35A at Eglin AFB have spoken about the task of working with the stealth fighter ...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

3 May 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Norway F-35 Deliveries To Begin in 2017

Norway is set to take delivery of six Joint Strike Fighters in 2017 and repeat the exercise every year until 2024, by which time it will have acquired its full fleet of 52 aircraft, the government announced in Oslo on April 26.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

19 April 2013 | DefenseNews.com

F-35 Head: Flying Hours 10 Percent Higher than F-16

Estimates put cost at $24,000 per hour

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

10 April 2013 | USAF News

Nellis AFB pilots fly their first operational F-35 mission

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- Two F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron here conducted the aircraft's first operational flights from Nellis AFB.

Read Full Article @ USAF News

7 April 2013 | JSF.mil

F-35B Conducts First Night Time Vertical Landing

On April 4, 2013, the F-35B Lightning II completed the first short takeoff and vertical landing during a test mission at night to expand the flight envelope...

Read Full Article @ JSF.mil

2 April 2013 | Lockheed Martin

Third F-35B For United Kingdom Makes First Flight

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 2, 2013 – Monday, the third United Kingdom Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II sped down the runway at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base embarking on its first flight. The aircraft, known as ZM137, departed at 10:16 a.m. with Lockheed Martin F-35 Chief Test Pilot Alan Norman at the controls. ZM137 will complete a series of company and government checkout flights prior to its acceptance by the U.K. Ministry of Defence. ZM137 will join U.K. aircraft ZM135 and ZM136 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., later this year where it will be used for pilot and maintainer training.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

29 March 2013 | JSF.mil

21 Mar - Corps' First Operational F-35B Conducts First Vertical Landing

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 watched in amazement and satisfaction as the Corps' first operational F-35B Lightning II squadron conducted its first Short Take Off...

Read Full Article @ JSF.mil

27 March 2013 | Flight Global

Outgoing F-35 programme boss shares hard won lessons

After spending 12 years fronting the Lockheed Martin F-35 programme, retiring executive vice-president Tom Burbage can look back in hindsight on a few key...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

26 March 2013 | RAF

UK Joint Strike Fighter to be based at RAF Marham

The new cutting edge Lightning II stealth fighter aircraft will be based at RAF Marham, the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has announced.

Read Full Article @ RAF

20 March 2013 | RAF

First UK operational flight of F-35

The first solo flight of the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) by a UK operational pilot has taken place in the United States

Read Full Article @ RAF

19 March 2013 | Lockheed Martin

First Lockheed Martin F-35As Report to Nellis AFB for Operational Testing

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 19, 2013 – Three Lockheed Martin F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft were officially welcomed by the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. during a commemorative ceremony today. The jets are assigned to the 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group.

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14 March 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Production On Track, Program Chief Says

WASHINGTON --- The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program is a different program than it was four years ago, the F-35 program executive officer said here March 12. In a speech at the McAleese/Credit Suisse Defense Programs Conference at the Newseum, Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told att...

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12 March 2013 | DefenseNews.com

GAO: F-35 Program Improving But Still at Financial Risk

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program is moving in the right direction, but is still at “financial risk” according to the government’s watchdog. The Government Accountability Office (GAO), in a new report on the fifth-generation fighter released Monday, said...

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8 March 2013 | Flight Global

PICTURES: Second RNLAF F-35 rolled out

Lockheed Martin has rolled out the second F-35A Joint Strike Fighter which will eventually be used by the Royal Netherlands Air Force for pilot and maintainer...

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7 March 2013 | Lockheed Martin

Second F-35 For The Netherlands Rolls Out Of F-35 Production Facility

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 7, 2013 – The second Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II for the Netherlands rolled out of the F-35 production facility on March 2. This is the latest step in the production process leading to its eventual assignment to Eglin AFB, Fla., later this summer. The Netherlands is planning to use this conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jet, known as AN-2, for training and operational tests for pilots and maintainers. AN-2 will undergo functional fuel system checks before being transported to the flight line for ground and flight tests later this year.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

1 March 2013 | MILAVIA News

Sequestration measures cancel Thunderbirds’ appearances past April 1

NELLIS AFB, Nev. — In response to sequestration actions, the Air Force and Air Combat Command officials have canceled aerial demonstration team performances to include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds past April 1.

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25 February 2013 | JSF.mil

The Marine Coprs First Operational F-35B Takes to Yuma Skies

Blue skies welcomed the Marine Corps first operational F-35B Lightning II flight at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma,Ariz. Feb. 21...

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25 February 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Fleet Grounded by Engine Crack

WASHINGTON --- All F-35s have been grounded as a precaution after a routine engine inspection revealed a crack on an engine blade, Defense Department officials said Feb. 22 here. Officials call this a "cautionary suspension of flight." The Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps fly F-35s. Inspectors...

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15 February 2013 | MILAVIA News

First F-35C Production Model Takes Flight

The first Lockheed Martin production model F-35C carrier variant, known as CF-6, flew its first sortie Thursday. Upon delivery later this year, the jet will be assigned to US Navy Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VFA-101) at Eglin AFB, Florida. The unit will serve as the Fleet Replacement Squadron, training Navy F-35C pilots and maintainers.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News

13 February 2013 | Flight Global

F-35B returns to flight

The Lockheed Martin F-35B short take-off vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Joint Strike Fighter has returned to flight after a 25-day grounding. "F-35B...

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30 January 2013 | Lockheed Martin

100th F-35 On Lockheed Martin’s Production Line

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 30, 2013 – Assembly of the 100th Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is well underway at the F-35 production facility here. F-35 technicians are in the final phase of building the wings that will be installed on the 100th aircraft known as AF-41. AF-41, a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, is one of 88 F-35s in various stages of completion on Lockheed Martin production lines Fort Worth and Marietta, Ga., and supplier locations across the world. The jet will be delivered to the U.S. Air Force and is slated for pilot training at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

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28 January 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Grounded F-35B Will Fly Again ‘Soon,’ P&W Says

Less than two weeks after an engine problem grounded all F-35B jump-jet variants, officials believe the problem has been isolated and the jets will soon resume testing.

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28 January 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

Canada Asks Five Suppliers to Submit Fighter Details

GATINEAU, Quebec --- The National Fighter Procurement Secretariat is reaching out to industry by issuing a draft questionnaire today in order to obtain detailed information on the capabilities of available fighter aircraft, a key element of the evaluation of options to replace Canada’s CF-18 fleet. [...] The five identified companies who do or will have aircraft in production over this period being engaged—The Boeing Company, Dassault Aviation, EADS Eurofighter, Lockheed Martin and Saab Group—will be asked...

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23 January 2013 | Lockheed Martin

Second F-35A Reaches 500 Flight Hour Milestone

The second Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, known as AF-1, joined the 500 flight hour club recently during its 272nd flight. It joins AF-2 which passed the milestone June 26, 2012. The conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) fighter began flight operations when it made its inaugural flight Nov. 14, 2009. The F-35A flight test program has completed more than 43 percent of its overall test plan. Overall, the program’s three variants have achieved nearly 5,900 flight hours by 55 aircraft in the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) programs.

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22 January 2013 | Lockheed Martin

F-35C Completes First In-Flight Dual Refueling

For the first time, two Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II carrier variant test aircraft refueled together with a Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules in the sky above Patuxent River, Md. recently. The CV aircraft, known as CF-1 and CF-2, completed the milestone as part of an F-35 flight test program that will accomplish more than 1,000 flights in 2013.  Later this year, Eglin AFB, Fla., will receive its first CV aircraft joining the F-35 pilot and maintainer training program there.

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18 January 2013 | Flight Global

F-35B grounded after fueldraulic line failure

The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) has temporarily grounded the Lockheed Martin F-35B short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the tri-service...

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15 January 2013 | Flight Global

Pentagon lowers F-35 performance bar

The US Department of Defense is lowering the performance bar for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter according to a new report by the Pentagon's director of operational test and evaluation (DOT&E).

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14 January 2013 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Test Report Reveals New Faults, Problems, Delays

The annual report by Michael Gilmore, the Pentagon’s undersecretary for Operational Test and Evaluation, reveals major new problems with all three versions of the F-35, as well as significant shortfalls in meeting flight test milestones. “The lag in accomplishing the intended 2012 flight testing ...

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11 January 2013 | DefenseNews.com

Turkey Postpones Order for Its First Two F-35 Fighters

Turkey said Jan. 11 it has postponed an order to purchase its first two U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets due to technical problems and rising costs, but said it still intends to buy 100 more in the long run.

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11 January 2013 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Highlights F-35 Program Achievements for 2012

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Program completed 30 aircraft deliveries and achieved significant advances in flight test highlighting a year of continued progress for 2012. 

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2012

12 December 2012 | AviationWeek

Pentagon Says Will Sign F-35 Deal, Price Emerges

The U.S. Defense Department said it will sign a contract with Lockheed Martin Corp on Friday for a fifth group of 32 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets, a long-awaited deal that moves forward the most costly weapons program in U.S. history.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

12 December 2012 | AviationWeek

Canada Resets Search For Fighters, May Still Buy F-35

Canada scrapped a controversial plan to buy F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin Corp on Wednesday, saying that instead it would evaluate all available options for acquiring new jet fighters. The Conservative government - stressing it could still buy the F-35 if it turns out to be the best option - said it would set up an independent panel to look at replacements for the country’s aging fleet of CF-18 fighters, which are due to go out of service by 2020.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

11 December 2012 | NAVAIR

Photo: Arrival of last F-35C completes Patuxent River complement of Lightning II aircraft

Aircraft CF-5, flown by Navy test pilot Lt. Cmdr. Michael Burks, takes off from the F-35 Lightning II manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11. The aircraft, which arrived here the same day, is the final permanently assigned F-35C for the Integrated Test Force at Naval Air Station Patuxent River and designated primarily for ship suitability and high angle of attack testing.

Read Full Article @ NAVAIR

6 December 2012 | AviationWeek

Canadian F-35 Cost Soars, Ottawa Eyes Alternatives

Canada’s planned purchase of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is set to soar in cost and the government will start looking at alternatives, the CTV network reported Dec. 6. The report is the latest embarrassment over the F-35 for the Conservative government, which announced in July 2010 it would buy 65 of the Joint Strike Fighters for C$9 billion ($9.08 billion). Ottawa consistently brushed off critics who said the figure was too low, but...

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

4 December 2012 | NAVAIR

F-35B Lightning II executes first drop of a 500-pound GBU-12

The F-35 Lightning II Integrated Test Force (ITF) accomplished another significant test milestone Dec. 3 when an F-35B successfully released another weapon in flight.

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3 December 2012 | Lockheed Martin

F-35 Lightning II Program Surpasses 5,000 Flight Hours

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 3, 2012 – The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II program surpassed 5,000 flight hours last month. This milestone was reached by the combined F-35 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) aircraft flying at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., and the training aircraft flying at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. All three variants, the F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL), the Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (STOVL) and Carrier Variant (CV), participated in achievement of this goal. Since the program’s first flight in December 2006, F-35s have flown 3,464 times. This total includes 91 flights from the original test aircraft, AA-1; 2,510 SDD test flights; and 863 production-model flights. For video highlights of the F-35 program, click here.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

30 November 2012 | AviationWeek

Lockheed Martin, Pentagon Strike F-35 Production Deal

A few details remain to be worked out on LRIP Lot 5

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

29 November 2012 | Flight Global

USAF sticks to F-35 fleet requirements

The US Air Force's top civilian leader says that the service will not be backing away from its requirement to buy 1763 Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters...

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21 November 2012 | Flight Global

USMC stands-up first operational F-35B squadron; operational testing in 2015

The US Marine Corps (USMC) has stood-up its first operational Lockheed Martin F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) squadron at MCAS Yuma, Arizona. Marine...

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20 November 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Delivers Three F-35Bs To The U.S. Marine Corps

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 20, 2012 – Three Lockheed Martin F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft were officially delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps during ceremonies at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., today. The three jets are assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 residing with the host Marine Aircraft Group 13.

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19 November 2012 | Lockheed Martin

F-35A Achieves Maximum High Angle Of Attack Limit In Four Flights

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., November 19, 2012 – An F-35A Lightning II conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft rapidly expanded its high angle of attack (AOA) test envelope to its 50 degree limit in only four flights during recent flight testing here. F-35A test aircraft are limited to AOAs of 20 degrees until their controllability is proven at a higher AOA limit of 50 degrees.  The ability to rapidly progress to the maximum AOA indicates a sound aerodynamic and flight control system design. High AOA testing will continue on the F-35A for several months testing the capabilities of all design loadings and the flight control system.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

16 November 2012 | Flight Global

USAF unit completes F-35 OUE activity

The US Air Force's 33rd Fighter Wing has completed an operational utility evaluation of the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter ...

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30 October 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

New Dutch Government Changes Fighter Plans

The new Dutch government coalition agreed Oct. 29 that it will delay a decision on the procurement of a new combat aircraft until 2014, and that separately it will freeze defense spending at present levels until 2017. ...

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30 October 2012 | RAF

Second RAF Lightning II

Britain’s second F-35B Lightning II has arrived at a US airbase, as the UK continues a programme of training and aircraft test and evaluation.

Read Full Article @ RAF

25 October 2012 | AviationWeek

Lockheed Sees 'Great Progress' On F-35 Fighter

Future CEO said there are 94 F-35 jets in various stages of production at Lockheed plants

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

22 October 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Edwards F-35A Completes First AIM-120 Amraam Internal Weapons Release

An F-35A test aircraft, flown by U.S. Air Force Maj. Matthew Phillips, completed the first aerial weapons release of an AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) from a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft, Oct. 19. The aircraft, known as AF-1, jettisoned the instrumented AIM-120 over the China Lake test range from an internal weapons bay. This was the second in-flight weapons release in three days for AF-1 as it completed the release of a 2,000 pound GBU-31 BLU-109 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) Oct. 16. The F-35A 5th Generation fighter is designed to carry a payload of up to 18,000 pounds using 10 weapon stations. The F-35A features four internal weapon stations located in two weapon bays to maximum stealth capability. The CTOL aircraft can also utilize an additional three weapon stations per wing if required.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

19 October 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Second UK F-35 And Marine Corps F-35B Delivered To Eglin

The second United Kingdom F-35 Lightning II takes off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base today for delivery to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Eglin’s eleventh U.S. Marine Corps F-35B ferried to the Emerald Coast with the U.K. jet. The aircraft, known as ZM136 and BF-16, departed at approximately 8:06 a.m. CDT with U.K. Royal Air Force Sqn. Ldr. Jim Schofield and Marine Corps Maj. Adam Levine at the controls, respectively, for the 90-minute ferry flight to Eglin. ZM136 joins the first United Kingdom F-35B, which arrived at the base for operational test and evaluation in July. The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variants are the fifteenth and sixteenth F-35s to ferry to Eglin this year.

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10 October 2012 | Flight Global

Norway hopes for arrival of first F-35 in 2015

Norway intends to spend NKr1.78 billion ($300 million) in 2013 on its Lockheed Martin F-35A acquisition under its proposed defence budget, enabling it to...

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27 September 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Eglin F-35 Fleet At 20 And Growing

FORT WORTH, Texas, September 27, 2012 – The 20th Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II was delivered today to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., to support F-35 pilot and maintainer training taking place on the Emerald Coast. BF-15, piloted by U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Mike Rountree, left Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at 10:39 a.m. CDT en route for a 90 minute ferry flight to Eglin. The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) jet is the fourteenth F-35 to ferry there this year. BF-15 is now assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 with the host 33d Fighter Wing.

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7 September 2012 | Flight Global

USAF to start F-35 operational utility evaluation on 10 September

The US Air Force is scheduled to start an operational utility evaluation (OUE) of its Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) fleet at Eglin AFB,...

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31 August 2012 | Flight Global

F-35 high AOA flights and weapons separation tests imminent at Edwards AFB

Test pilots at Edwards AFB, California, are set to begin high angle-of-attack (AOA) flights and weapons separation testing on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint...

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24 August 2012 | Flight Global

Eglin F-35s fly 200th sortie

Pilots at Eglin AFB, Florida, have completed their first 200 sorties with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter ...

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16 August 2012 | Flight Global

First Dutch F-35 flies around Fort Worth

The first Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter built for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has been spotted flying near the company's plant in...

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14 August 2012 | JSF.mil

F-35 Completes First Airborne Weapons Separation

The F-35 Lightning II accomplished a significant test milestone Aug. 8 when the aircraft successfully released a weapon in flight. BF-3, a short take-off and vertical landing F-35 variant, released an inert 1,000-pound GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) separation weapon over water in an Atlantic test range while traveling at 400 knots at an altitude of 4,200 feet.

Read Full Article @ JSF.mil

13 August 2012 | Flight Global

F-35 flight training accelerates at Eglin AFB

Flight training on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) continues to accelerate at the US Air Force's 33rd Fighter Wing. "During our...

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19 July 2012 | RAF

UK Takes Delivery Of First Lightning II Fighter Jet

The first of the UK’s next generation stealth combat aircraft has today been handed over to the MoD. At a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond formally accepted the first jet which will be known as Lightning II. The aircraft are Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The UK is the first country outside the US to receive these aircraft and Mr Hammond today announced that the MoD intends to order a fourth Lightning II aircraft next year to add to the three already on contract. The RAF and Royal Navy will conduct flight trials of the jets which will operate from land bases and from sea.

Read Full Article @ RAF

19 July 2012 | Lockheed Martin

United Kingdom Accepts First International Lockheed Martin F-35

The United Kingdom accepted the first international Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft in a ceremony today with senior representatives of the U.K. Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Department of Defense.

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18 July 2012 | Flight Global

First Air National Guard pilot starts transition to F-35

The US Air Force's 33rd Fighter Wing has started training the first Air National Guard pilot on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter ...

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10 July 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Delivers Four F-35s To U.S. Air Force And Marine Corps

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 10, 2012 – With the delivery of four Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft since June 29, an important milestone was achieved as the Department of  Defense now possesses more operational-coded F-35s than test aircraft.  A total of nine F-35s have been delivered for the year, giving the DOD a total of 30 aircraft fleet-wide. Of these, 16 are operational aircraft and 14 are test planes.

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10 July 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 Flight Test Progress Report

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 10, 2012 -- Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program accrued the highest number of test points in a single month during June, an accomplishment indicative of the program’s ongoing maturation.  Additionally, for the 18th consecutive month the F-35 test program remained ahead of plan.

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5 July 2012 | AviationWeek

Dutch Plans To Buy F-35 Fighter Jets In Doubt

The Netherlands should scrap plans to buy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets because it cannot afford the project’s ballooning costs as the country attempts to cut spending, a majority of parliament said on Thursday.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

3 July 2012 | Flight Global

Japan orders initial batch of four F-35s

Japan has ordered an initial batch of four Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) hopes to buy a total of 42...

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15 June 2012 | Flight Global

Norway orders F-35As after securing JSM integration support

Norway has finally committed to the Lockheed Martin F-35A after securing guarantees from the USA over opportunities for Norwegian industry. Key to...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

8 June 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Lockheed Bars Korea In-Flight Evaluation of F-35

SEOUL --- A plan to conduct performance tests of Lockheed Martin's F-35 using simulators, not an actual test flight by a South Korean pilot, has stirred up controversy here as Seoul prepares to buy an advanced fleet of stealth fighters. ...

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23 May 2012 | Flight Global

Initial F-35 training cadre starts JSF transition

Initial training cadre pilots at the US Air Force's 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida, have started converting over to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning...

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22 May 2012 | NAVAIR

Q&A with the first military test pilot to fly the X-35 and F-35

On April 3, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Art Tomassetti became “Lightning 35,” the 35th test pilot to fly the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Tomassetti is a trailblazer as he was an original test pilot for the X-35, precursor to today’s F-35 aircraft in flight test. PEO(JSF) Public Affairs asked Tomassetti to share his history with the program...

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15 May 2012 | Lockheed Martin

A Dozen Lockheed Martin F-35s Now Call Eglin AFB Home

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 15, 2012 – The twelfth Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II destined for the training fleet at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., was ferried today. U.S. Marine Corps pilot Lt. Col. Fred Schenk piloted the aircraft, known as BF-11, which departed Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas at 10:02 a.m. CDT for an approximate 90-minute flight to Florida’s Emerald Coast.

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10 May 2012 | DefenseNews.com

It's Official: U.K. To Switch Back to STOVL F-35

The British government has confirmed it will revert to the F-35B short-takeoff, vertical-landing version of the Joint Strike Fighter to equip aircraft carriers being built for the Royal Navy.

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10 May 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Two Lockheed Martin F-35Bs Ferried To Eglin, Marking 25th DOD Delivery

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 10, 2012 – Two Lockheed Martin F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) production aircraft were ferried to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., today, marking the 24th and 25th F-35 deliveries to the Department of Defense. The 5th Generation multirole fighter jets were delivered to the United States Marine Corps and are now assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 501 residing with the host 33d Fighter Wing.

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8 May 2012 | Lockheed Martin

F-35 Lightning II Flight Test Update

Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II flight test program continues to make progress during the first four months of 2012. In March, the program completed 123 test flights totaling 223 flight hours, setting a record for the most System Development and Demonstration (SDD) flights and flight hours for a single month.

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1 May 2012 | DefenseNews.com

Italy Remains Committed to JSF Program, Defense Minister Says

Italy still remains committed to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program despite announcing plans earlier this year to slash its purchase quantity more than 30 percent.

Read Full Article @ DefenseNews.com

18 April 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Norway to Buy 46 F-35s, Puts Off Decision on 6 More

On the 23rd March the Norwegian Government presented the new Long term plan for Defence. In the proposed plan the established defence policy goals and ambitions are corroborated. The Government’s ambition to procure 52 F-35 fighter jets is confirmed. As a result of the gradual decreasing expe...

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16 April 2012 | DefenseNews.com

U.K. Reverting to STOVL JSF for its Carriers

Britain's military chiefs have unanimously backed a plan to switch back to the short take-off, vertical-landing (STOVL) version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to equip its aircraft carriers, a report in The Times newspaper said April 16.

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16 April 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Dutch to Buy Fewer F-35s Than Planned

AMSTERDAM --- The Netherlands will buy fewer than the 85 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets it had planned to acquire because costs have risen and the country needs to replace fewer F-16 fighters, the Dutch defence minister said on Sunday. The costs of developing and building the...

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16 April 2012 | Key.Aero

UK's first F-35 flies

The United Kingdom's first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II production aircraft has flown its inaugural flight

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

16 April 2012 | Lockheed Martin

United Kingdom’s First Lockheed Martin F-35 Makes Inaugural Flight

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 16, 2012 – BK-1, the United Kingdom’s first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II production aircraft, flew its inaugural flight Friday. Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti took the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) jet through a series of functional flight checks during a sortie that lasted 45 minutes. The jet will complete a series of company and government checkout flights prior to its acceptance by the U.K. Ministry of Defence. The U.K. MOD will use this 5th Generation fighter for training and operational tests at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., beginning later this year.

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4 April 2012 | Lockheed Martin

First F-35 For The Netherlands Rolls Out Of F-35 Production Facility

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 4, 2012 – The first F-35 Lightning II for The Netherlands rolled out of the F-35 production facility on April 1. This is the latest step in the production process leading to its eventual assignment to Eglin AFB, Fla., later this summer. The Netherlands will use the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jet, known as AN-1, for training and operational tests for pilots and maintainers. AN-1 will undergo functional fuel system checks before being transported to the flight line for ground and flight tests in the coming weeks. The Royal Netherlands Air Force continues to be at the forefront of flight testing and pilot training and remains at the leading edge of advanced 5th Generation fighter technology.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

30 March 2012 | USAF News

Officials reaffirm Pentagon's commitment to F-35

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Estimated costs for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter have increased over the life of the program, but the Defense Department is working to contain cost growth and remains committed to the fifth-generation fighter, defense officials said March 29. Frank Kendall III said during confirmation testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee that cost overruns for the stealth fighter are about $150 billion. Kendall is acting undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, and if confirmed will assume that position officially. ...

Read Full Article @ USAF News

30 March 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

DoD Approves Continued F-35 Development As Cost Rises $17Bn in One Year

The Pentagon’s top weapons buyer has officially endorsed continuing development of Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 fighter jet and set cost targets for when the program enters full-production. Acting Undersecretary for Acquisition Frank Kendall today signed an “acquisition decision memo” that ...

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26 March 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35A Completes First Night Refueling Mission

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 26, 2012 – The first night refueling in the history of the Lockheed Martin F-35 program was completed Thursday at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Piloted by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Peter Vitt, AF-4, an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant, rendezvoused with an Air Force KC-135 tanker and successfully received fuel through the F-35’s boom receptacle. Vitt’s sortie lasted more than three hours. In addition to qualifying with the KC-135, the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards AFB will also conduct night refueling tests with the KC-10.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

23 March 2012 | AviationWeek

Norway Revamps F-35 Procurement Schedule

Norway has restructured its F-35 procurement plan, signaling it may buy some aircraft early but stretch out the total procurement.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

23 March 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Australia Delays F-35 Order Despite Cost

Defence Minister Stephen Smith's decision to hold back on the order for Australia's next batch of 58 Joint Strike Fighters could cost taxpayers billions of dollars. The cost blow-out will be compounded if, as indicated, he pushes back the delivery schedule for 12 of the 14 planes in the first bat...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

23 March 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

British Test Pilot Flies F-35C Carrier Variant

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- A Royal Air Force (RAF) squadron leader became the United Kingdom's first military test pilot to fly the F-35C, the carrier variant of the Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft, Feb. 21. As an international program, the F-35 has eight cooperative partners workin...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

23 March 2012 | Key.Aero

Extended BAE Systems F-35 facility opens in UK

The latest phase of the new F-35 manufacturing facility at Samlesbury in Lancashire has opened.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

22 March 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Lockheed VP Promises $70M Unit Price for Australian F-35s

Australia can still expect to pay an average $US70 million ($A67 million) for each Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft, even as production of the next generation F-35s ramps up. The head of the JSF program for US aerospace company Lockheed Martin, Tom Burbage, said production was now running at f...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

21 March 2012 | USAF News

F-35 reaches critical juncture after strong year, official says

The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program -- the centerpiece of future tactical aviation and a key to implementing new military strategic guidance -- made strong progress in its development last year, a defense official said today.

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21 March 2012 | Flight Global

Canberra keeps options open on F-35 capability gap plans

Australia is keeping its options open in regards to its planned purchase of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and will decide in late 2012 or early 2013...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

16 March 2012 | JSF.mil

F-35A Completes Second Local Sortie at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

14 Mar 2012 - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Joseph Bachmann successfully piloted the second F-35 local orientation flight in the skies above the Emerald Coast today...

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8 March 2012 | Key.Aero

First USAF F-35 training mission cut short

The first US Air Force F-35A Lightning II training sortie had to be cut short.

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7 March 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Pentagon Lowers F-35 Performance Goals

Just when you think the bar can't be any lower for the most expensive weapons program in history, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), the Pentagon lowers the bar. Last month, the Pentagon's Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) lowered performance requirements for the JSF, helping the plan...

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6 March 2012 | USAF News

Eglin AFB conducts first F-35 launch

No matter what uniform they wear, service members of the 33rd Fighter Wing know the launch of the first F-35 Lightning II flight here March 6 is a small step into the next half century of air dominance. Morale was high even though the sortie was abbreviated by the pilot's determination of "in flight emergency."

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5 March 2012 | Flight Global

USAF training command set to start F-35 operations

The US Air Force is poised to launch training flights with its first Lockheed Martin F-35As delivered to Eglin AFB, Florida ...

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2 March 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

More Confusion as UK MoD Revises Carrier, F-35 Plans Under Budget Pressure

Britain's troubled and increasingly expensive plan to equip the navy with new aircraft carriers has been plunged into fresh turmoil as ministers consider reversing their earlier decision to change the type of plane that should fly from them, it has emerged. The government announced in last autumn...

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28 February 2012 | USAF News

Air Force issues flight release for Eglin AFB F-35A

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- Officials at the Aeronautical Systems Center here issued a Military Flight Release today that will allow the F-35A Lightning II fighter to begin initial operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

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24 February 2012 | DefenseNews.com

JSF Chief Engineer: F-35 Military Flight Release To Happen Soon

The Pentagon's stealthy tri-service F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is making progress with a military flight release expected soon, the program's chief engineer said. But software development and problems with the jet's helmet mounted display are still major challenges.

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24 February 2012 | Key.Aero

F-35s fly with external stores pylons

Both the F-35A and F-35B variants have flown with external hardpoints fitted to the wings in recent days.

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23 February 2012 | DefenseNews.com

Turkey Plans To Buy 100 F-35s: Report

Turkey is planning to purchase 100 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters worth $16 billion in an attempt to meet its future air force needs, Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz was quoted as saying Feb. 23.

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23 February 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 Flight Test And Production Progress Report

FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 23, 2012 -- Lockheed Martin's F-35 program continues to build on its 2011 flight test success. For 2012, the baseline F-35 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) flight test plan calls for the accumulation of 1,001 test flights and 7,873 test points. However, growth in test point requirements throughout the year is anticipated, and the plan will be adjusted as needed.

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22 February 2012 | DefenseNews.com

JSF Production Might Be Further Slowed

The Pentagon's Defense Acquisitions Board (DAB) of top weapons buyers recertified the tri-service F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program during a Feb. 21 meeting, but high sustainment costs might force the Pentagon to slow production down further or trim flight hours for aircrew, a senior defense official said.

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15 February 2012 | NAVAIR

Photo Release: F-35 naval variants commence weapons testing

Marine Corps Maj. C. R. “Jimi” Clift flies F-35B Joint Strike Fighter test aircraft BF-3 Dec. 19, 2011 with a 1,000-lb inert test GBU-32 in an open internal weapons bay for loads testing.

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15 February 2012 | DefenseNews.com

Canada Appears to Waver on F-35 Purchase

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper opened the door Feb. 14 for a possible cut in the number of F-35 fighter jets Canada will buy, after reports that the United States was scaling back its purchase plans.

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14 February 2012 | DefenseNews.com

International F-35 Sales Vital to Cost Stability: DoD

The U.S. Defense Department is banking on international sales of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter over the next five years to keep the program cost stable, according to a senior Pentagon official.

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14 February 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Pentagon Postpones 179 F-35s to Save $15 Billion

WASHINGTON --- The Pentagon on Monday confirmed plans to postpone production of 179 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters built by Lockheed Martin Corp over the next five years to save $15.1 billion, but it said the risk was "manageable." The U.S. defense budget for fiscal 2013 funds 13 fewer airplanes than...

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14 February 2012 | AviationWeek

Amid Cuts USAF Cautiously Funds F-35

The USAF's $154.3 billion fiscal 2013 budget request is roughly $12 billion less than the service requested in 2012.

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10 February 2012 | AviationWeek

Italy Widely Expected to Scale Back F-35 Orders

Italy will ask for about 30 fewer planes, according to two different news reports.

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1 February 2012 | DefenseNews.com

Australia Considers Deferring JSF Buy

Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith flagged the possibility that 12 of the 14 Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighters Australia has committed to purchasing may be deferred, following uncertainty within the international program.

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31 January 2012 | DefenseNews.com

Wrongly Installed Ejection Seat Parachutes Ground 15 F-35s

Fifteen F-35 Joint Strike Fighters will remain grounded for at least five more days because their ejection seat parachutes were installed backwards, said Joe DellaVedova, a spokesman for the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office.

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27 January 2012 | DefenseNews.com

Panetta: Full Commitment to U.S. F-35 Program

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta reiterated his strong support on Jan. 26 for all three variants of the tri-service F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), but said that production needs to be slowed down in order to allow for more testing and account for design changes.

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27 January 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Story on British JSF Hesitations Draws MoD, Industry Denials

The Times reports today that the MOD is questioning whether it should go ahead with plans to procure a fleet of new Joint Strike Fighter jets due to speculated delays in the programme. The paper also wrongly claims that the MOD declined to comment, when, in fact, the reporter was sent a statement on...

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25 January 2012 | USAF News

Air Force leaders say strategy calls for F-22, F-35 capabilities

Fifth-generation fighter aircraft are key to America maintaining domain dominance in the years ahead, Air Force officials said here Jan. 24. Lt. Gen. Christopher D. Miller, the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs, and Maj. Gen. Noel T. "Tom" Jones, the service's director for operation capability requirements, said the technology -- exemplified in the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter -- assumes greater importance in combating growing anti-access, area-denial capabilities.

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20 January 2012 | AviationWeek

Panetta Lifts F-35B Probation

'The Stovl variant has made sufficient progress so that as of today I am lifting the Stovl probation.'

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18 January 2012 | JSF.mil

F-35A Performs First Night Flight

The first night flight in the history of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Program was completed Wednesday at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif...

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17 January 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

UK MoD Responds to F-35C Tailhook Failings

Media are today speculating that the MOD's plans to introduce a new fleet of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) jets, capable of landing on the latest state-of-the-art Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, could be delayed. The MOD's plans remain on track to have a new carrier strike capability from a...

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16 January 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

JSF Flight Tests Highlight New Problems, Concurrency Risks

POGO has obtained the Pentagon's latest annual operational test and evaluation report on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), which was not publicly unavailable until now. Bloomberg News's Tony Capaccio first reported on the report last night. In the first sentence of the report, the Pentagon’s ...

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16 January 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

British Press Discovers F-35C Cannot Land on Aircraft Carriers

The Royal Navy's multi-billion pound fighter plane programme is under threat amid claims that its new all-purpose jets cannot land on aircraft carriers, it has emerged. Leaked Pentagon documents claim a design flaw in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has caused eight simulated landings to fail. ...

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12 January 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Concerns Raised in Japan About F-35 Choice

The government has chosen F-35 stealth jets jointly developed by nine countries, including the United States and Britain, as the mainstay fighter for the Air Self-Defense Force. Japan will buy 42 F-35s over the next decade or so for a total 1.6 trillion yen ($20.81 billion), including maintenance...

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12 January 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Pentagon to Reset F-35 Program Over Next Month

Top weapons acquisition officials in the Pentagon will meet next week to hold the first of two planned reviews on restructuring the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and setting new procurement and budget plans, according to a report by InsideDefense.com. The on-line publication says the reviews ...

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12 January 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 Program Exceeds 2011 Flight Test Goals

The F-35 System Development and Demonstration 2011 flight test program resulted in the completion of more test flights and test points than in any year. The 2011 flight test plan called for the accumulation of 872 flights and 6,622 test points by Dec. 31. For the year, the SDD program flew 972 flights and tallied 7,823 test points.

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11 January 2012 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Delivers First Two Marine Corps F-35s To Eglin

The first two Lockheed Martin production model F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft were delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps today. The two jets are now assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 residing with the host 33d Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla.

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9 January 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

A Closer Look at the F-35’s Tailhook Problems

The U.S. Navy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) known as the F-35C is at serious risk of never being able to land aboard an aircraft carrier. This also poses a risk to the U.K. aircraft carrier program which is supposed to use the F-35C at the end of the decade. Back in 2007, a Lockheed Martin ...

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9 January 2012 | Defense-Aerospace

Australians Fear US Defense Cuts May Increase F-35 Costs

The multibillion-dollar defence cuts in the US announced by President Barack Obama this week mean the cost to Australia of the Joint Strike Fighter will spiral even higher, according to former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon. The increased cost of the $A16 billion acquisition will be due to the ...

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5 January 2012 | DefenseNews.com

Turkey Authorizes Initial Purchase of 2 F-35s

ANKARA - Turkey's top decision-making body Jan. 5 paved the way for the country's formal participation in a U.S.-led program for the production of next-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.

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2011

21 December 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Japan Picks MHI as Lead F-35 Domestic Contractor

MHI received notification today that it has been selected by Air Staff Office, Japanese Ministry of Defense, as a potential domestic contractor to participate in manufacturing and after-servicing of Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF)'s F-X. ...

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19 December 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Japan Selects Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

FORT WORTH, Texas, December 19th, 2011 -- The Japan Ministry of Defense has announced its selection of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II as the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s (JASDF) next generation fighter aircraft, following the F-X competitive bid process. The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant (CTOL) was offered by the United States government with participation from Lockheed Martin. The initial contract will be for four jets in Japan Fiscal Year 2012, which begins April 1, 2012. ...

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13 December 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Japan Likely to Buy US F-35 Fighters

TOKYO --- Japan's government has selected the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter to bolster its aging air force and is likely to announce the multibillion-dollar deal by the end of the week, news reports said Tuesday. The announcement is expected after a committee meeting Friday, according to K...

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12 December 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Unit Cost Nears $160M as Lockheed Wins $4Bn for LRIP 5 Lot

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $4,011,919,310 fixed-price-incentive (firm target) (FPIF) modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-10-C-0002). This modification provides for the manufacture and delive...

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9 December 2011 | AviationWeek

Dempsey Sees Potential For JSF Slowdown

The top uniformed U.S. officer says the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter may be on a path to a slowdown.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

9 December 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Influential Senators Want Safe Joint Strike Fighter Flight Training

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has some explaining to do on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, according to Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and John McCain (R-AZ), respectively, the chair and ranking member of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee. Both those Senators

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6 December 2011 | AviationWeek

F-35 Mods Cost-Sharing Deal Struck

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have finally agreed to share the cost of modifications for roughly 30 aircraft.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

5 December 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Dutch Worry About New JSF Delays

A possible delay in the first series of the Joint Strike Fighter planes will not necessarily affect the delivery of two Dutch test planes, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The head of the JSF programme said it should be slowed down. Lockheed Martin is due to deliver the first Dutch te...

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4 December 2011 | NAVAIR

Photo Release: F-35C test aircraft completes 100th test flight

The first carrier variant test aircraft for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter takes off on its 100th test flight Nov. 29 with Marine Corps test pilot Lt. Col. Matthew Taylor at the controls.

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2 December 2011 | AviationWeek

GE, Rolls Give Up on F136 JSF Alternate Engine

The move comes after a meeting between GE and Deputy Defense Secretary Carter made any continuation unlikely.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

2 December 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Airframe Problems Mean JSF Production Must Slow, PEO Chief Says

WASHINGTON --- Fatigue testing and analysis are turning up so many potential cracks and "hot spots" in the Joint Strike Fighter's airframe that the production rate of the F-35 should be slowed further over the next few years, the program's head declared in an interview. "The analyzed hot spots th...

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30 November 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Why Does Norway Budget Thrice as Much As Canada for F-35?

The latest questions in the House of Commons on DND’s F35 purchase are focusing on the differences of costs between Norway’s purchase and Canada’s acquisition of the Joint Strike Fighter. Norway has put the total cost at around $40 billion for 52 aircraft (although the lowest figure sometimes use...

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29 November 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

US Navy Sees Future in EMALS Launch of F-35C

LAKEHURST, N.J. --- The Navy demonstrated early integration of the future of naval aviation Nov. 18 when it launched F-35C test aircraft CF-3 with its new electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS). Testing the F-35C on EMALS provided an early opportunity to evaluate technical risks and began...

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22 November 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Fighter Plane to Be Based at Nevatim

The first F-35 stealth fighter plane is expected to arrive in Israel in 2015. The fighters will be based at the IAF's Nevatim Airbase in the Negev, the IAF commander has determined. The deal to acquire the F-35 was signed in the last year and the planes are expected to arrive in Israel in the next few years. ...

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22 November 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Initial Canadian F-35s Will Lack Link 16, Blue Force Tracker

OTTAWA --- The first dozen or so F-35s slated to arrive in Canada won't be equipped with software that allows the stealth fighters to communicate with ground forces, a feature designed to prevent incidents of friendly fire. The initial operating system also won't be equipped with a program that helps the fighters communicate with older aircraft, such as the Air Force's Aurora surveillance planes. ...

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22 November 2011 | MILAVIA News

First F-35 For The United Kingdom Assembled

Lockheed Martin completed assembly of the first international F-35 Lightning II. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence will use the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) jet, known as BK-1, for training and operational tests.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News

18 November 2011 | AviationWeek

No Alternative to F-35, US, Canada Say

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said flatly he was confident the U.S. Congress would approve funding for the F-35.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

18 November 2011 | Flight Global

New cracks stop vertical landings on some F-35Bs

Three of the five developmental Lockheed Martin F-35Bs have developed tiny cracks in a lift fan-related component which prevent the flight-test aircraft from reconfiguring in flight and landing vertically. ...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

14 November 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

JSF Can Carry JSOW Internally, Raytheon Says

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates --- Raytheon Company has completed a fit check of the Joint Standoff Weapon in the internal carriage bay of the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. "The capabilities of the JSF combined with JSOW C-1's ability to precisely engage moving ships at sea from standoff ranges wou...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

8 November 2011 | JSF.mil

F-35C First Catapult Launch at NAS Patuxent River

Navy test pilot Lt. Chris Tabert flies F-35C test aircraft CF-3 off the TC-7 steam catapult at NAS Patuxent River. Photo and video after the jump.

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29 October 2011 | AviationWeek

Pentagon Slices F-35 Buy To Pay For Overruns

Navy and Air Force have agreed to reduce their quantities in low-rate initial production Lot 5 to 'pay for the bills.'

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

28 October 2011 | Key.Aero

First production F-35B flies

BF-06, the first F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) production jet, has flown.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

28 October 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Norway Denies, Canada Confirms, F-35 Comms Problems

In today's edition of Aftenposten, one can get the impression that the F-35 fighter cannot communicate when it flies in the northern areas. “Of course this is not correct. F-35 has exactly the same communication capabilities as the current F-16,” says State Secretary Roger Ingebrigtsen in the Mi...

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27 October 2011 | JSF.mil

Sixth F-35A Delivered to Eglin Air Force Base

AF-13, a conventional takeoff and landing variant F-35A, departs Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base on Oct. 26 en route to Eglin Air Force Base.

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27 October 2011 | JSF.mil

First Production Model F-35B Makes First Flight

BF-6, the first F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) production jet for the U.S. Marine Corps, made its inaugural flight on Oct. 25, marking yet another significant milestone in the F-35 program.

Read Full Article @ JSF.mil

26 October 2011 | AviationWeek

Navy Sees Few Anomalies in F-35B Ship Trials

First sea trials of the Lockheed Martin F-35B, which is designed for short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing (Stovl) operations for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

25 October 2011 | JSF.mil

F-35B Completes First Sea Trials on USS Wasp

The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) heads back toward homeport Oct. 21 after spending three weeks at sea hosting the initial sea trials of the F-35B Lightning II, Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

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24 October 2011 | JSF.mil

24 Oct - Fifth F-35 Lightning II Bolts to Eglin Air Force Base

With Lt. Col. Eric “Emmitt” Smith at the controls, AF-12 gains altitude as it departs Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base yesterday for Florida.

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21 October 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Doubts, Questions Emerge After F-35B Ship Trials

Last week, on October 13, the Chairman of the JCS, General Martin Dempsey, scared F-35 advocates with the statement, “I am concerned about the three variants, whether as we go forward in this fiscal environment, whether we can afford all three.” This week (after a senior official’s visit on Sat...

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17 October 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Delivers First F-35 Weapons Load Training System to Eglin Air Force Base

Lockheed Martin delivered and installed the first weapons load training device at the F-35 integrated pilot-and-maintenance training center (ITC) at Eglin Air Force Base’s 33rd Fighter Wing. Configured in all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II, the system allows maintenance students to hone their skills loading munitions, fuel tanks and missile systems onto the aircraft. ...

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11 October 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Lockheed Selects BAE for F-35 Helmet Display Solution

LONDON, United Kingdom --- BAE Systems has been selected by Lockheed Martin, prime contractor for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), to supply a Night Vision Goggle Helmet Mounted Display (NVG HMD) system for the F-35 during the next phase of its development. The NVG HMD will incorporate the latest...

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27 September 2011 | AviationWeek

F-35 Inches Closer To Pilot Training Ops

Air Force officials are reviewing data collected during a period of 'maturity flights' using two F-35As.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

20 September 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 Flight Test Progress Report

Lockheed Martin’s F-35 flight test program moves closer to reaching year-end milestones since the last update issued July 26. Since then, the F-35 Lightning II 5TH Generation multirole fighter conducted 124 test flights, bringing the total number of flights for the year to 642. Overall, the F-35 system development and demonstration (SDD) flight test remains on or ahead of plan for 2011, despite 15 days of testing lost due to fleet stand-down after a ground mishap involving the Integrated Power Package (IPP). Flight testing was also interrupted at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., because of an Aug. 23 earthquake and severe weather associated with Hurricane Irene. During this period of down time, the flight test teams at all locations continued working through planned modifications and maintenance. ...

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

16 September 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Norway Monitoring F-35 Funding Travails in US

OSLO --- The difficult economic situation in the United States makes this autumn's budget deliberations closely monitored from the Norwegian side. The House of Representatives has recently finalized the budget for 2012 and sent the proposal to the Senate. So far, there have not been any major cuts ...

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15 September 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Canadian Opposition Wants Reality Check on F-35

TORONTO --- Liberal Defence Critic John McKay today questioned the Conservative Government’s silence on the issues being raised by Joint Strike Fighter partners, including the United States, on the development of the F-35 aircraft. “In the wake of mounting cost overruns, production delays and rep...

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15 September 2011 | Lockheed Martin

New Titanium Machining Process Supports Affordability Of Lockheed Martin F-35

Lockheed Martin has obtained government approval to use a groundbreaking cryogenic titanium machining process in production of the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter.  Cryogenic titanium machining improves cutting-tool life by a factor of 10 with appropriate material removal processing speed. The Joint Program Office in coordination with the F-35 Fracture Control Board (FCB) approved the new process for standard roughing operations, impacting the most time-consuming and cost-intensive machining processes associated with manufacturing titanium parts. Broadly applied, this new technology could improve affordability and efficiency in the production of the F-35, which is approximately 25 percent titanium by weight.  ...

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

14 September 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Delivers First F-35 Center Wing Produced In Marietta

MARIETTA, Ga, September 14th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin’s first F-35 Lightning II center wing produced here is complete and en route to the F-35 final assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas. ...

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8 September 2011 | AviationWeek

U.K. F-35 Work Expected To Remain Stable

'U.K. companies have already won JSF production contracts worth 15% by value of the work on each aircraft.'

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

31 August 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Lightning Strikes Twice: Two F-35s Arrive at Eglin Air Force Base

FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 31, 2011 – Two Lockheed Martin F-35As, AF-10 and AF-11, along with two F-16 chase aircraft, are poised for takeoff to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Wednesday morning. They officially arrived at the base at 1:19 p.m. CDT today. On Friday, the F-35 Joint Program Office authorized a return to flight operations for F-35 production aircraft. AF-10 and AF-11 completed the 90-minute flight marking the ninth and tenth F-35 contractual deliveries of 2011. The pair of conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jets will be used for training pilots and maintainers at the new F-35 Integrated Training Center there.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

30 August 2011 | USAF News

Air Force celebrates JSF arrival, rolls out nation's airpower future

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- Air Force officials said the unveiling of the F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter was a "historic occasion" during a rollout ceremony here Aug. 26. The F-35A, on display during the ceremony, was delivered here in July by Lt. Col. Eric Smith, the Air Force's first F-35 pilot.

Read Full Article @ USAF News

29 August 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

US Air Force Marks JSF Arrival at Eglin

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - An official unveiling of the F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter was labeled as a “historic occasion” by Air Force officials hosting the ceremony Aug. 26 at the 33rd Fighter Wing. “This is indeed a new era,” said Gen. Edward Rice, Air Education and Training Comm...

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27 August 2011 | Key.Aero

F-35A Formally Unveiled at Eglin as all JSFs Cleared to Fly Again

A formal unveiling ceremony was held at Eglin AFB on August 27 for the F-35A Lightning II, two days after remaining flight restrictions were lifted on the F-35 fleet, which had been grounded for over three weeks.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

25 August 2011 | AviationWeek

Navy Official Questions Need For JSF Variants

U.S. Navy undersecretary ordered lower-cost alternatives to the Navy's current tactical aviation plan.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

19 August 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35s Cleared for Flight But No Fix Yet In Sight

The F-35 Joint Program Office authorized the return to flight operations for F-35 developmental test aircraft. This follows the reinstitution of ground operations for these aircraft Aug. 10. An Air Force Safety Investigation Board continues to review the circumstances that led to the failure of a...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

18 August 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Northrop Delivers 50th Center Fuselage for F-35 JSF

PALMDALE, Calif. --- Northrop Grumman Corporation marked the completion of the 50th center fuselage for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter during a ceremony at the company's Palmdale Manufacturing Center. Company officials praised employees for delivering the center fuselages on time and on budget – a...

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12 August 2011 | AviationWeek

South Korea Thinks F-35 Can Meet Schedule

Assessment of ability to meet in-service date of 2016 appears to improve chances of aircraft.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

11 August 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Cleared to Resume Ground Tests

The F-35 Joint Program Office authorized a return to ground operations for the F-35 developmental test (DT) aircraft today. This is the first step in returning the F-35 fleet to full flight operations. A precautionary suspension of both ground and flight operations for the program was issued Aug. ...

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5 August 2011 | AviationWeek

Vagaries Continue To Cloud U.K. F-35 Agenda

In choosing the carrier variant London acted without firmly grasping associated operational and cost implications.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

4 August 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Fleet Grounded Again After Power System Failure

For the third time in less than a year, the Pentagon has grounded all F-35 Joint Strike Fighters because of a mechanical problem. The 20 operational test and training aircraft were ordered parked Wednesday until engineers and technicians can find why a power system that starts and cools the airc...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

4 August 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

British Growing Reticent About F-35, Could Prefer F-18E/F

Officials in Britain's Defence Ministry are pushing to scrap their country's plans to buy a variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, reports from Britain say, potentially raising the cost for other customers such as Australia. Media reports claim officials want the Royal Navy to buy older, less-capab...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

3 August 2011 | AviationWeek

JSF Force Grounded

The secondary power system of F-35A AF-4, a USAF-variant test aircraft, failed on Tuesday morning at Edwards AFB, Calif.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

28 July 2011 | Key.Aero

Video: F-35 makes first catapult launch

The F-35 has been launched from a test catapult for the first time.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

26 July 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 Flight Test Progress Report

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 26th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] F-35 flight test program moves closer to achieving year-end milestones since the last update issued June 13. The F-35 Lightning II 5TH Generation multirole fighter conducted 107 test flights, bringing the total number of flights for the year to 518. Overall, the F-35 program remains ahead of goals for test flights. Through July 25, the program accomplished 518 flights versus a plan of 476. Read More

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22 July 2011 | Flight Global

F-35 ground-based training commences at Eglin AFB

Work has begun at Eglin AFB in Florida to train the first operational pilots and maintainers for the Lockheed Martin F-35A ...

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21 July 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Lockheed Delivers Second F-35 Production Jet In A Week

FORT WORTH, Texas --- It was wheels up Wednesday morning for Lockheed Martin’s second F-35A Lightning II production jet delivery in a week. Maj. Joseph T. “OD” Bachmann (Marine Corps) piloted the aircraft, known as AF-8, to Eglin Air Force Base where it arrived at 11:50 a.m. CDT. AF-8 joins AF-9...

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20 July 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Yet Another Attempt to Save F-35

The U.S. defense budget is in danger of being swamped in a tsunami of debt and deficit reduction plans. Proposals for massive defense cuts are proliferating. There is the Simpson-Bowles Commission, the Paul-Frank proposal and, most recently, the plan put forward by Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn that c...

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20 July 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Delivers Second F-35 Production Jet In A Week

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 20th, 2011 -- It was wheels up Wednesday morning for Lockheed Martin’s second F-35A Lightning II production jet delivery in a week. Maj. Joseph T. “OD” Bachmann (Marine Corps) piloted the aircraft, known as AF-8, to Eglin Air Force Base where it arrived at 11:50 a.m. CDT. AF-8 joins AF-9 which Lockheed Martin delivered to the 33rd Fighter Wing last Thursday. The jets will be used for training F-35 pilots and maintainers who are slated to begin course work at the base’s new F-35 Integrated Training Center this fall. AF-8 is the eighth F-35 to be delivered in 2011.

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18 July 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Fifth F-35 Marine Corps Variant Delivered To Navy Test Site

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 18th, 2011 -- The fifth Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Short Take Off/Vertical Landing (STOVL) flight test aircraft delivered to the Marine Corps arrives at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., Saturday, July 16. Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti flew the short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft, designated BF-5, for the 3.5-hour flight from NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. BF-5 is the seventh F-35 to be delivered in 2011 and the third aircraft delivered to NAS Patuxent River this year.  (Lockheed Martin photo by Liz Kaszynski) Media Contact: Read More

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15 July 2011 | Flight Global

F-35 LRIP overrun value raised to $1.15B

The F-35 programme office has confirmed the estimated cost overrun for the first 28 production jets is roughly $1.15 billion, and not $771 million as previously...

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14 July 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Delivers First F-35 Production Jet For Training To Eglin AFB

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla, July 14th, 2011 -- The first Lockheed Martin production model F-35 Lightning II to be assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing arrived here today at 1:18 p.m. CDT after its more than 90-minute ferry flight from Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft, known as AF-9, will be used for activities in concert with training F-35 pilots and maintainers who begin coursework at the base’s new F-35 Integrated Training Center this fall. AF-9 is a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) version of the 5th generation stealth fighter. Overall, the jet is the third production-model F-35 delivered to the U.S. Air Force, with the first two assigned to Edwards AFB, Calif. Read More

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13 July 2011 | AviationWeek

Lockheed Overruns $771 Mln On Early F-35s

'Outrageous! Disgraceful.' the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee said in a tweet.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

13 July 2011 | AviationWeek

Second F-35A Joins Edwards Maturity Testing

Maturity flight testing is one of a series of steps for the program prior to entering pilot training this fall.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

7 July 2011 | Lockheed Martin

F-35 Jet Blast Deflector Testing Underway at Lakehurst

LAKEHURST, N.J., July 7th, 2011 -- F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft CF-2 is performing Jet Blast Deflector (JBD) tests at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. The JBD, located behind the catapults aboard aircraft carriers, deflects high energy exhaust from the engine to prevent damage and injury to other aircraft and personnel located in close proximity. JBD testing is one portion of the tests required to ensure the F-35C is compatible aboard the aircraft carrier. Testing continues with varying distances between the aircraft and JBD, and at power settings up to and including maximum afterburner power. CF-2 arrived at Lakehurst on June 25 for JBD tests.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

3 June 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Program Becoming A Target for Cost Cutters

It’s the Pentagon’s largest acquisitions program — an ambitious effort to re-equip the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps with the latest stealth fighter technology designed to maintain U.S. air superiority over the next 25 years. But the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has already become a target before...

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27 May 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

US Air Force Prepares for F-35A Training on F-35B and F-35C

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- U.S. Air Force maintainers are getting hands-on experience with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter here. Seven airmen from the Air Force’s 33rd Fighter Wing are at Naval Air Station Patuxent River for 75 days to gain first-hand experience...

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24 May 2011 | AviationWeek

F-35 Delay Would Mean Higher Dutch F-16 Costs

The reason for the spike in support costs includes additional maintenance for the aircraft structure.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

23 May 2011 | Key.Aero

F-35 makes its airshow debut

Lockheed Martin's publicity-shy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter made its airshow debut on May 21.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

20 May 2011 | AviationWeek

Pace Of JSF Testing Gains Momentum

Last year passed with slow flight trials, especially for the USMC version. But now the project seems to be stabilizing.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

20 May 2011 | AviationWeek

Senators Ask For JSF Alternatives

'It seems to me [prudent that] we at least begin considering alternatives,' Sen. John McCain said.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

17 May 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Second F-35C Carrier Variant Flies to NAS Patuxent River

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 17th, 2011 -- The second F-35C Lightning II carrier variant arrives at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., yesterday. The flight test aircraft, designated CF-2, was piloted by Lt. Col. Matt Taylor during the 2.8-hour flight from NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. CF-2 now joins one other carrier variant (CV) and four short take off/vertical landing (STOVL) F-35 aircraft at NAS Patuxent River where it will continue flight testing. Media Contacts: Read More

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16 May 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Second F-35A Production Jet Arrives at Edwards AFB

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 16th, 2011 -- The second Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II production aircraft flies above the compass rose of Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., May 13. The aircraft, designated AF-6, ferried to Edwards AFB from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base following the Air Force formally accepting the fighter into its inventory May 12. The first production jet, AF-7, was delivered to Edwards AFB May 6. Media Contacts: Read More

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

13 May 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

FAS Discloses Selected Acquisition Report on F-35

The latest annual report to Congress on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program details the soaring costs and deferred production schedule associated with the program. The report, which has not been publicly released, outlines total program costs from last year as well as per-aircraft costs and p...

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13 May 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Lockheed, Pentagon Vow to Attack F-35 Costs

FORT WORTH, Texas --- Lockheed Martin Corp says it is attacking costs on every aspect of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, but the real key to making the new warplane more affordable is to speed up production.

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13 May 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

RAAF Should Have “Plan B” for Fighter Fleet

Australia needs a Plan B and even a Plan C to maintain air combat supremacy in the event of further delays in the new Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), a new study says. Plan B, the "least bad" option, would involve extending the life of existing RAAF Hornet aircraft past 2020 while Plan C would involve...

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12 May 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Australia Admits JSF Will Be Late, More Expensive

For the first time in an official, public document, the government has admitted the revolutionary Joint Strike Fighters intended to provide Australia's main air defence long into this century are likely to arrive later than planned and cost much more than expected.

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

11 May 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 Program Flight Test Update

Since the last F-35 flight test program update issued March 31, Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft have conducted 125 test flights, bringing the total number of flights for the year to 331. Several flight test key milestones were accomplished since the last report:

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10 May 2011 | Lockheed Martin

First F-35A Destined for Eglin AFB, Fla., Completes First Flight

The first F-35A production aircraft that will be delivered to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., later this year takes off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base on Friday, May 6, with Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti at the controls. The aircraft, designated AF-8, will be delivered to Eglin for pilot and maintainer training. AF-8 is the first aircraft to fly from Low Rate Initial Production lot two.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

9 May 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Delivers First Usaf Production F-35 Lightning II

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 9th, 2011 -- The U.S. Air Force has accepted into its fleet the first of a planned 1,763 production-model Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters. The signing of formal acceptance documents for the jet, known as AF-7, took place at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 final assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday, May 5. The jet flew to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on Friday to begin its flight testing program.

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3 May 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Second F-35C Makes First Flight

FORT WORTH, Texas --- The second F-35C Lightning II carrier variant takes off on its first flight from Naval Air Station (NAS) Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base Friday, April 29. Lockheed Martin F-35 Test Pilot Bill Gigliotti piloted the jet on its first flight. The supersonic F-35C, known as CF-2, ...

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2 May 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Norway Confirms F-35 Deliveries by 2018

“Progress on the combat aircraft program and the further development of industrial cooperation played a key role in the talks we had with Lockheed Martin this week,” says State Secretary Roger Ingebrigtsen. The U.S. delegation was led by Lockheed Martin’s CEO of the F-35 program, Tom Burbage. Lo...

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2 May 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Second F-35C Completes Inaugural Flight

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 2nd, 2011 -- The second F-35C Lightning II carrier variant takes off on its first flight from Naval Air Station (NAS) Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base Friday, April 29. Lockheed Martin F-35 Test Pilot Bill Gigliotti piloted the jet on its first flight. The supersonic F-35C, known as CF-2, is scheduled to fly to NAS Patuxent River, Md., later this year, where it will join the first F-35C and four F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing jets to continue flight testing. (Lockheed Martin Photo by Randy Crites) Read More

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

27 April 2011 | Flight Global

New engine snag upsets F-35 manfacturing progress

A new quality issue with Pratt & Whitney F135 engines has upset a manufacturing system for the Lockheed Martin F-35 that is otherwise showing signs of reaching...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

26 April 2011 | Key.Aero

F-35 Alternative Engine axed

The US Department of Defense has notified the General Electric/Rolls Royce Team and Congress that the F136 engine contract has been terminated.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

26 April 2011 | AviationWeek

GE/Rolls To Fight Termination Of F136 Engine

The termination notice follows a 'stop-work' order issued on March 24 by Pentagon acquisition chief Ashton Carter.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

22 April 2011 | AviationWeek

JSF Chief Hopes For Smoother LRIP V Talks

'Doing it faster is important,' Venlet said. Government officials are conducting a 'should-cost' review.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

12 April 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Should US Taxpayers Subsidize F-35 Exports?

In December, I was invited by the Standing Committee on National Defence of the Canadian House of Commons to testify on the proposed sale of the F-35 to Canada. The F-35 sale to Canada is a controversy in the upcoming elections there; the price the Canadian government asserts it will pay for eac...

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11 April 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Norway to Buy Four F-35s This Year; Says Price Unchanged

The Government has decided to submit to Parliament proposals for the procurement of four F-35 training aircraft. The cost outlook for Norway's total procurement of F-35 fighter jets is little changed. The acquisition of the four trainers is in line with the government's earlier decision and with...

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9 April 2011 | AviationWeek

Norway To Buy First Four F-35s

Parliament has proposed an initial buy of four which would arrive about two years ahead of the broader introduction.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

6 April 2011 | Lockheed Martin

F-35C CF-1 Catapult Hookup

PATUXENT RIVER, Md., April 6th, 2011 -- Navy F-35 flight test aircraft CF-1 approaches the TC-7 catapult at Naval Air Station Patuxent River March 22. With U.S. Marine Corps test pilot Lt. Col. Matt "Opie" Taylor at the controls, CF-1 completed functional checks and performed the first test hookup of the F-35C to the catapult. The test team also investigated an issue discovered during a preliminary fit check with the launch bar where it did not lower far enough to engage flight deck hardware for the catapult hook up. That test resulted in an improvement made to the launch bar so it will have a greater range of motion. The overall ship compatibility test phase, including catapult launches, is scheduled to begin this year. Shipboard testing of the F-35C aboard a CVN-68 class aircraft carrier is scheduled to take place in 2013. The F-35C Navy variant and F-35B Marine Corps variant are undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River in preparation for eventual delivery to the fleet. Media Contact: Read More

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

4 April 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 Flight Test Program Shows Progress In First Quarter

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 4th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II test jets made considerable flight test progress during the first quarter of 2011, conducting 199 test flights versus a plan of 142 flights. Additionally, the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant logged six times more vertical landings in the first quarter than in all of 2010. The test program remained ahead of plan despite the grounding of various test fleet aircraft for 4-15 days during the period as officials investigated the cause of a dual generator/starter failure during a flight on March 9. The following totals and highlights provide a snapshot of flight test activity in the first quarter: Conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL: F-35A) aircraft conducted 82 flights against the plan of 62. STOVL (F-35B) aircraft conducted 101 flights against a plan of 62. Carrier variant aircraft accomplished 16 flights of 18 planned. Two production-model aircraft, AF-6 and AF-7, flew for the first time in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Air Force this year. AF-6 and AF-7 flew seven times in the first quarter.  The STOVL variant performed 61 vertical landings (compared with 10 vertical landings in all of 2010). BF-1 performed the first touch-and-go maneuver in VL mode this quarter. From the start of flight testing in December 2006 through March 31, 2011, F-35s have flown 753 times, including production-model flights.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

24 March 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Turkey Freezes F-35 Order Over Access to Source Codes

Turkey has announced that it is putting the planned purchase of 100 F-35 fighter jets from the US on hold because the Pentagon refuses to share the source code used in the software designed for the aircraft as well as the codes that might be used externally to activate the planes.

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24 March 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Canadian Auditor Stands By F-35 Cost Estimate

OTTAWA, Canada --- The Parliament of Canada Act mandates the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) to provide independent analysis to the Senate and House of Commons on the state of the nation’s finances, government estimates and trends in the national economy.

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24 March 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Dutch Auditor Wants ‘Timely and Full’ F-35 Cost Data

The government has postponed a decision on the procurement of a replacement for the F-16. A final decision has not yet been taken in favour of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Preparations need to be made, however, for the arrival of the JSF. The Ministry of Defence believes the Joint Strike Fighter ...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

23 March 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Australia Won’t Review F-35 Plans Despite Cost Increases

The Defence Department will not review plans to spend more than $20 billion on 72 F-35 stealth fighters despite American program cost blow-outs that are threatening to bring down Canada's minority conservative Government. It is now believed the final cost of the multinational F-35 program will be...

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23 March 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Turkey’s TAI Delivers First Production F-35 Inlet

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --- Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI), a major international F-35 Lightning II supplier to Northrop Grumman Corporation, has delivered its first production air inlet duct for the jet. The delivery of the all-composite duct, a major structural element of the F-35's center...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

12 March 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Test Aircraft Grounded After Dual Generator Failures, Oil Leak

The Pentagon's Joint Strike Fighter program office has suspended test flights of the next generation combat aircraft after a test aircraft suffered an in-flight failure of dual electrical generators. In a just issued press release, Lockheed Martin said aircraft AF-4, one of four F-35A models fly...

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10 March 2011 | AviationWeek

Canada Expects Much Higher JSF Unit Costs

Canada's Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer is estimating a per-unit price tag of about $450 million.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

10 March 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

UK to Spend $632M on F-35Bs It No Longer Needs

The [British] Ministry of Defence is spending almost £400million on three fighter jets that will never enter British service. Britain is paying £389m to buy the F-35B jump jets even though last year’s defence review ruled that the Armed Forces did not need vertical take-off and landing fighters. ...

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7 March 2011 | Lockheed Martin

Second F-35 Production Jet Takes First Flight

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 7th, 2011 -- AF-7, the second F-35 Lightning II production jet, takes off on its first flight Friday, March 4, from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant flew for 1.3 hours. AF-7 is the second and final aircraft from Low Rate Initial Production lot 1. The first, AF-6, flew for the first time a week earlier. The two production jets and eleven preproduction F-35 test aircraft have completed 683 flights since testing began in December 2006.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

7 March 2011 | MILAVIA News

F-35C breaks sound barrier for the first time

The first F-35C test aircraft (CF-1) flew faster than the speed of sound for the first time over a test range near the Navy and Marine Corps F-35 integrated test facility at Naval Air Station Patuxent River March 4, 2011.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News

25 February 2011 | MILAVIA News

Lockheed Martin Flies First Production F-35 Stealth Fighter

The first production model of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II made its first flight today at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. The jet will head to Edwards Air Force Base, California., to support developmental testing shortly after the Air Force takes delivery this spring.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News

7 January 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Norway Unsure of JSF Review Implications

The Ministry of Defence today received preliminary information on decisions taken in the U.S. in the wake of the announced review of the Joint Strike Fighter combat aircraft project.

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

7 January 2011 | Defense-Aerospace

Australia Welcomes JSF Restructure

The Acting Minister for Defence Jason Clare today welcomed the restructure of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates. The restructure follows a detailed six month Technical Baseline Review of the JSF Program’s progress by the US Department of Defense to examine...

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6 January 2011 | Flight Global

F-35 enters 2011 on high note, but still dogged by future uncertainty

Lockheed Martin's 11th F-35 flight-test aircraft should begin taxi trials next week, as the programme awaits on the outcome of a new review ...

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2010

31 December 2010 | Lockheed Martin

Tenth F-35 Enters Flight Test

FORT WORTH, Texas, December 31st, 2010 -- AF-4, the tenth F-35 Lightning II to enter flight testing, lifts into the sky for the first time on Dec. 30. The successful flight was the final test mission of 2010 for the Joint Strike Fighter program, which logged 410 flights for the year versus a plan of 394.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

9 December 2010 | AviationWeek

First Stovl Engine Shipped For F-35B

Pratt and Rolls have shipped the first Stovl system to Lockheed Martin for installation in the F-35B.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

23 November 2010 | CNN

Closed-door Defense meeting reviews costly F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

The Defense Department reviewed its most expensive weapon Monday, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Read Full Article @ CNN

22 October 2010 | AviationWeek

JSF Engine Contenders Pass Test Milestones

GE-Rolls is revising static and rotating parts in the fan module following test incident.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

8 October 2010 | Flight Global

Lockheed gets funds for UK F-35 landing modification

Lockheed has received a $13 million contract to incorporate a shipborne rolling vertical landing capability with the UK's F-35Bs ...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

8 October 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

Israel Signs LOA for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

Following the Israeli Government decision to select the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II as the Israel Air Force's next-generation fighter aircraft, Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General (Maj. Gen. Ret.) Udi Shani signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the procurement of the F-35...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

8 October 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

Canadian JSF Controversy Heats Up

Confronted by an insider warning against the sole-sourced purchase of a fighter jet dubbed the Flying Credit Card, a furious Stephen Harper on Thursday chose to attack the whistle-blower — and warn against massive aerospace job losses if opponents continue “playing politics” with the lives of Canadian troops.

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

7 October 2010 | Flight Global

F-35s resume flight operations, but problems persist

A software glitch grounded the Lockheed Martin F-35 test fleet for at least four days and the short take-off and vertical landing mode remains barred due to an unresolved mechanical problem.

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

7 October 2010 | Lockheed Martin

Israeli Ministry Of Defense Selects Lockheed Martin F-35 For Its Next-Generation Fighter

Following the Israeli Government decision to select the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II as the Israel Air Force’s next-generation fighter aircraft, Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General (Maj. Gen. Ret.) Udi Shani signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the procurement of the F-35 aircraft earlier today in New York. Israel will be the first country to receive the F-35 through the United States government’s Foreign Military Sales process...

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

1 October 2010 | AviationWeek

F-35 Flights Suspended

The Pentagon says all flights were suspended earlier this week as a routine safety precaution.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

1 October 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

Dutch Coalition Agreement Confirms JSF, Cuts Numbers

The tentative coalition agreement approved by Dutch political parties after over three months of negotiations is set out in a 46 page document which outlines their proposed policies for the next four years. Regarding the replacement of F-16 fighters, the text simply states that “F16s have to be ...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

30 September 2010 | AviationWeek

Marines Ready, But Is JSF?

The Marines insist they will achieve IOC, with eight ship-qualified aircraft and 20 pilots, by late 2012.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

30 September 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

Norway Delays F-35 Order by Two Years

The new combat aircraft for the Air Force is two years overdue. The delivery of the US-built F-35 will therefore not start until 2018. Today's F-16 aircraft have will benefit from life extension, and the choice of a new fighter base will also be postponed. In an article published by [the Stava...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

29 September 2010 | Key.Aero

Norway delays F-35 purchase

The proposed purchase of F-35A Lightning IIs for Norway is to be "adjusted".

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

13 September 2010 | Key.Aero

Canada announces F-35 basing plan

The Canadian Minister of National Defence has announced where the F-35 will be based.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

2 September 2010 | Key.Aero

F-35B reliability worries

The reliability of Lockheed Martin's F-35B is causing concern.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

17 August 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

JSF’s Targeting System Tested in Flight

Lockheed Martin has successfully conducted the first flight of the F-35 Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) on the Cooperative Avionics Test Bed (CATBird) platform. EOTS maturation on the CATBird is the final step prior to integration on the BF-4, the first mission systems-equ...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

16 August 2010 | Flight Global

Fix for F-35 final assembly problem pushed back

Lockheed Martin has pushed back the resolution of a manufacturing problem plaguing F-35 Joint Strike Fighter final assembly schedules, but key suppliers...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

16 August 2010 | AviationWeek

Alternate JSF Engine Thrust Beats Target

The tests are the first to officially calibrate the combat-rated thrust of a production-representative F136.

Read Full Article @ AviationWeek

16 August 2010 | Flight Global

Israel: no plans to upgrade F-16s

The Israeli defence ministry has decided, pending formal government approval, to purchase an initial 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters. The $2.75 billion...

Read Full Article @ Flight Global

16 August 2010 | Lockheed Martin

First Flight of F-35 Electro-Optical Targeting System

Lockheed Martin has successfully conducted the first flight of the F-35 Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) on the Cooperative Avionics Test Bed (CATBird) platform. EOTS maturation on the CATBird is the final step prior to integration on the BF-4, the first mission systems-equipped F-35 test aircraft. “The CATBird’s dynamic flight environment provides the first opportunity to test and evaluate how EOTS integrates into the F-35’s fused sensor architecture,” said Rich Hinkle, program director of F-35 EOTS at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “After three years of rigorous testing on the Sabreliner aircraft, EOTS is more than ready for CATBird integration and we’re excited to reach this important milestone.”

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

12 August 2010 | RAF

RAF test pilot on Lightning II

The radical F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is set to become the future of air combat according to the RAF test pilot putting the groundbreaking aircraft through its paces.

Read Full Article @ RAF

29 July 2010 | Key.Aero

US Air Force announces F-35 basing proposal

The USAF has confirmed F-35As will be based at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

29 July 2010 | USAF

Air Force Announces F-35 Basing Proposal

The Department of the Air Force announced today the preferred alternatives for operational and training F-35 Joint Strike Fighter bases. Teams surveyed each candidate base for feasibility, timing, cost and planning purposes to meet initial operational capability timelines. The preferred alternative locations are: - Operations - Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and Burlington Air Guard Station, Vt. - Training - Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. more...

Read Full Article @ USAF

22 July 2010 | Key.Aero

Canada commits to F-35

The Government of Canada has confirmed that it is to acquire the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

8 July 2010 | Key.Aero

First missions-systems equipped F-35A flies

The ninth F-35 Lightning II aircraft has entered flight testing.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

7 July 2010 | Key.Aero

More F-35s ordered

The US Government has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for 42 F-35s.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

24 June 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

Pratt Marks Milestones for JSF’s F135 Engine

The Pratt & Whitney F135 propulsion system celebrated two major program milestones recently, with the successful maiden flight of the Lockheed Martin Navy variant F-35C Lightning II, powered by a production configuration F135 engine, as well as installation of the first prod...

Read Full Article @ Defense-Aerospace

23 June 2010 | Key.Aero

Radar tests begin on F-35

Northrop Grumman has tested its APG-81 AESA radar on the F-35.

Read Full Article @ Key.Aero

23 June 2010 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 Navy Jet Confirms Carrier-Landing Strength Predictions

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 23rd, 2010 -- A Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II carrier variant successfully completed testing in which it was dropped from heights of more than 11 feet during a series of simulated aircraft-carrier landings. The tests validated predictions and will help confirm the F-35C's structural integrity for carrier operations. The jet, a ground-test article known as CG-1, underwent drop testing at Vought Aircraft Industries in Grand Prairie, Texas. No load exceedances or structural issues were found at any of the drop conditions, and all drops were conducted at the maximum carrier landing weight. The drop conditions included sink rates, or rates of descent, up to the maximum design value of 26.4 feet per second, as well as various angles and weight distributions. The tests were used to mimic the wide range of landing conditions expected in the fleet.

Read Full Article @ Lockheed Martin

14 June 2010 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 STOVL Variant Flies Supersonic

PATUXENT RIVER, Md., June 14th, 2010 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Joint Strike Fighter short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant flew faster than the speed of sound for the first time June 10, achieving a significant milestone. The aircraft accelerated to Mach 1.07 (727 miles per hour) on the first in a long series of planned supersonic flights. "For the first time in military aviation history, supersonic, radar-evading stealth comes with short takeoff/vertical landing capability," said Bob Price, Lockheed Martin's F-35 U.S. Marine Corps program manager. "The supersonic F-35B can deploy from small ships and austere bases near front-line combat zones, greatly enhancing combat air support with higher sortie-generation rates." The F-35B will enter service for the Marines, the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and the Italian Air Force and Navy. Read More

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9 June 2010 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 Ground-Test Article Completes Testing Five Months Ahead Of Schedule

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 9th, 2010 -- The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II program successfully completed F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) full-scale static testing – with zero structural failures – five months ahead of schedule and in less than half the time of legacy programs. The test program was conducted on AG-1, an F-35A dedicated to validating the strength of the jet's airframe.

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7 June 2010 | AviationWeek

Flight Tests Of Next F-35 Block Underway

Mission-system test aircraft has returned to flight, CATBird has begun flying with latest Block 1 software.

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7 June 2010 | ACC

New tech-advanced classroom awaits F-35 students

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- A foundation for how the first generation of F-35 Lightning II pilots and maintainers trains for the next half century continues to evolve here as 33rd Fighter Wing officials add state-of-the-art technology to the classroom arsenal.

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7 June 2010 | Lockheed Martin

First Lockheed Martin F-35 With Mission Systems Arrives At Navy Test Site

The first mission systems-equipped Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II test jet joined the fleet at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., today. Piloted by F-35 Test Pilot Dave "Doc" Nelson, the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B known as BF-4 became the fourth F-35 to arrive and begin testing at the Naval Air Systems Command site. The STOVL variant will be employed by the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.K. Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and the Italian Air Force and Navy.

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7 June 2010 | Lockheed Martin

U.S. Navy Version of Lockheed Martin F-35 Makes First Flight

The most advanced aircraft in the history of the United States Navy made its inaugural flight yesterday, assuring a future of long-range, first-day-of-the-war stealth striking capability from the Navy's big-deck carriers. The first Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II carrier variant took off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at 11:46 a.m. and logged a 57 min flight. “I am thrilled the F-35C has attained this milestone,” said Vice Adm. Thomas J. Kilcline, Commander of Naval Air Forces. “This flight marks the beginning of a new chapter in Naval Aviation. The mission systems in this aircraft will provide the Carrier Strike Group Commander with an unprecedented ability to counter a broad spectrum of threats and win in operational scenarios that our legacy aircraft cannot address.

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4 June 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

New Tech-Advanced Classroom for F-35 Students

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --- A foundation for how the first generation of F-35 Lightning II pilots and maintainers trains for the next half century continues to evolve here as 33rd Fighter Wing officials add state-of-the-art technology to the classroom arsenal.

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3 June 2010 | AviationWeek

Pentagon Recertifies JSF, Cost Increases

Officials anticipated the per-unit cost to be $112 million; it is now expected to be $155.6 million.

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2 June 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Review: Best Intentions Often Backfire

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has survived a Nunn-McCurdy review required of all weapons systems that exceed so-called "critical" thresholds for cost increases. Defense acquisition czar Ashton Carter will tell Congress this week that the program is essential to national security, is grounded in cred...

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1 June 2010 | Flight Global

Israeli industry reveals JSF weapons work

Israeli defence companies are developing new weapon systems that will be carried by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters operated by the nation's air force.

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1 June 2010 | AviationWeek

Lockheed Wary Of F-35 Engine Battle Impact

Battle between GE, Pratt & Whitney is likely to continue until Congress finalizes the Fiscal 2011 defense budget.

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1 June 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

GE Launches All-Out Effort to Save F-136 Engine

General Electric Co. is mounting an all-out effort to get its supporters in Congress to defy Defense Secretary Robert Gates when the House of Representatives votes on the $567 billion defense bill for fiscal 2011. GE wants Congress to keep funding its backup engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fight...

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22 May 2010 | AviationWeek

Prolonged Uncertainty Likely For Dutch On JSF

The purchase has been politically contentious for some time, with left-leaning parties trying to quash the deal.

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17 May 2010 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin F-35 Fighters Arrive Together At Edwards AFB

Two Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters flew nonstop from their final-assembly site in Fort Worth, Texas, to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., today, signaling a further expansion of F-35 flight test operations. The arrival is the first in a series that will increase the Edwards F-35 test fleet to at least eight aircraft. U.S. Air Force Test Pilot Lt. Col. Hank "Hog" Griffiths and Lockheed Martin F-35 Chief Test Pilot Jon Beesley flew the jets, known as AF-1 and AF-2, nonstop in the first multi-ship, long-range F-35 flight.

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1 May 2010 | AviationWeek

USAF, Lockheed Wrangle Over JSF LRIP 4 Price

Lockheed Martin is battling the perception of a major cost spike while trying to keep the price as high as possible

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30 April 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

Joint EW Squadron Stands Up for F-35 Training

EGLIN AFB, Fla. --- The squadron serving as the sole Department of Defence provider of electronic warfare support for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter activated April 23 in a ceremony at Eglin AFB. Surrounded by artifacts from the history of airpower in the Air Armament Museum, the 513th Electronic ...

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27 April 2010 | Flight Global

Israeli JSF talks end with stalemate

Two recent rounds of US/Israeli talks about the sale of Lockheed Martin F-35s to the Israeli air force have ended with the same gap that has so far prevented...

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20 April 2010 | Lockheed Martin

New Lockheed Martin F-35A Will Test Weapons

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 20th, 2010 -- The seventh Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II flight test aircraft took to the skies for the first time today, with the overall objective of validating the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant's weapons suite. The jet, known as AF-2 and piloted by Lockheed Martin F-35 Test Pilot Jeff Knowles, took off at 5:57 p.m. CDT from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base and flew for 1 hour.

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13 April 2010 | Lockheed Martin

F-35 AF-1 Completes Final Finishes, Scheduled to Return to Flight

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 13th, 2010 -- AF-1, the first optimized Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II conventional takeoff and landing test plane, rolls out of the F-35 Final Finishes Facility sporting a new hand-painted fin flash on its vertical stabilizers. While at the facility, the plane also received highly accurate robot-applied coatings. The stealth jet flew twice before entering an intensive period of ground testing, and is preparing for its return to flight and ferry to the Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. test site.

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12 April 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

More F-35 Cost Growth to Come

This week some Pentagon officials morphed into street cleaners as the Defense Department's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter left yet another load of unpleasantness on the street for all to see. It came in the form of major new revelations from Jason Sherman at InsideDefense.com with an article titled "DOD ...

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9 April 2010 | Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin's F-35C Lightning II Carrier Variant Undergoes Drop Testing

Dallas, Texas, April 9th, 2010 -- Lockheed Martin's F-35C Lightning II carrier variant ground-test article, CG-1, undergoes drop testing at Vought Aircraft in Dallas – one of 53 tests planned for CG-1 at Vought. On March 27,CG-1,was dropped 95 inches at 20 feet per second, with an 8.8-degree pitch, 2-degree roll, and 133-knot wheel speed, simulating a carrier-deck landing. During the testing, 500 sensors are monitored, with 2,500 points collected per second. The F-35C will be the Navy's first stealth fighter. In addition to ground testing, flight test continues, with more than 170 test flights logged. During the first quarter of 2010, the three F-35B test aircraft at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., outperformed flight test requirements, completing 33 flights compared to the 29 required. Twenty-eight of the flights took place at Patuxent River, with the remaining five conducted from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant.

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8 April 2010 | Flight Global

Lockheed rejects Pentagon's cost estimates for F-35

Lockheed Martin has reached a key F-35 Joint Strike Fighter first flight milestone - and struck back at Department of Defense budget estimates warning that...

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8 April 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Program Cost Set to Rise by Another $40-$50 Billion, DoD Warns

Defense Department officials have told Congress that the already ballooning costs of the F-35 joint strike fighter are likely to soar much higher when new estimates are completed in the summer. In the Selected Acquisition Report for the F-35, a detailed document sent to Congress on Thursday, the...

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7 April 2010 | Lockheed Martin

First Lockheed Martin Mission Systems F-35 Enters Flight Test

Fort Worth, Texas, April 7th, 2010 -- The first mission systems-equipped Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter flew for the first time today, ushering in what will be the most powerful and comprehensive sensor package ever to fly in a fighter. During the flight, F-35 Test Pilot David Nelson climbed to 15,500 feet (4,700 meters), verified engine response at varying throttle settings, performed a series of flight-qualities maneuvers and checked the operation of the aircraft’s mission systems. The flight out of Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant began at 10:04 a.m. CDT and concluded at 10:59 a.m.

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6 April 2010 | Key.Aero

First F-35 unit forms

The first active-duty F-35 squadron has stood-up in the US.

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31 March 2010 | RAF

CINC Air signs first F-35 for UK

Commander-in-Chief Air Command (CINC Air), Air Chief Marshal Sir Chris Moran, has just returned from a visit to the USA during which he highlighted the relevance of the RAF’s next generation combat aircraft..

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31 March 2010 | Defense-Aerospace

F-35 Unit Cost Seen Exceeding $200M

In two hearings in the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Ashton Carter and his Director for Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation Christine Fox presented new unit cost estimates for the F-35. Those estimates are extremely optimisti...

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30 March 2010 | Key.Aero

F-35 breaches 'Nunn-McCurdy'

The Pentagon has officially notified US Congress of the F-35 programme's breach of cost limits.

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26 March 2010 | Key.Aero

Romania confirms interest in F-35

Romania may go for F-35.

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19 March 2010 | AviationWeek

F136 Reaches Full Thrust In Afterburner Test

Sustained full-power afterburner tests incorporated the common exhaust system now flying on the F135-powered F-35 JSF

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19 March 2010 | Flight Global

F-35 cost estimate grows up to nearly 90%

The US Department of Defense today confirmed the cost estimate for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter procurement has leaped between 57% and 89% since contract award...

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19 March 2010 | Key.Aero

USMC to activate Joint Strike Fighter training squadron

The US Marine Corps is to form its F-35B Joint Strike Fighter training unit on April 1.

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19 March 2010 | Key.Aero

Video: F-35B makes first vertical landing

Lockheed Martin's F-35B Joint Strike Fighter has made is first controlled vertical landing.

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18 March 2010 | Key.Aero

Video: F-35B in the hover

Lockheed Martin has released a new video of the F-35B in the hover.

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15 March 2010 | Key.Aero

Denmark closer to F-35 decision

The Danish government is getting closer to a decision to drop the F-35.

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12 March 2010 | CNN

Pentagon's future fighter aircraft doubles in cost

The cost of the Pentagon's newest fighter jet will be more than double the original price, solidifying the F-35 joint strike fighter as the most expensive Pentagon weapons program ever.

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12 March 2010 | Key.Aero

Video: F-35 gets near to vertical landing

Lockheed Martin has released a video showing the F-35B making its slowest landing yet.

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11 March 2010 | Lockheed Martin

F-35B STOVL-mode Flight

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md, March 11th, 2010 -- The first Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter passes overhead at 40 knots (46 mph) prior to a slow landing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., on Wednesday, March 10. The flight was one of the last missions before the aircraft's first vertical landing, and confirmed the jet's power and controllability at very low speeds. The aircraft's short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) propulsion system generates more than 41,000 pounds of vertical thrust, and enables airspeeds from zero to Mach 1.6. The F-35B will be flown by the United States Marine Corps, the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and the Italian Air Force and Navy. It will be capable of operating from small ships and austere bases near front-line combat zones. F-35 Lead STOVL Pilot Graham Tomlinson was at the controls for Wednesday's flight.

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2009

29 October 2009 | USAF

Air Force officials announce candidate bases for joint strike fighter

Air Force officials here announced the list of candidate locations Oct. 29 for basing the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter.

The list of candidate bases was approved by the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force and identifies the first group of bases to be considered for joint strike fighter basing decisions. The selection of these bases signifies the determination of Air Force officials that these locations have the greatest potential to accommodate the F-35 training or operational mission.
more...

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2008

21 November 2008 | MILAVIA News

Norway selected F-35 to replace F-16s

On November 21st, 2008, the Norwegian government announced that its Minister of Defence had selected the F-35 Lightning II to replace its fleet of F-16 fighters.

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2005

21 September 2005 | MILAVIA News

Italy Plans Mixed JSF Fleet

Italy decided to operate a mixed fleet of conventional and short take-off and landing (CTOL/STOVL) Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters

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8 September 2005 | MILAVIA News

Northrop Grumman Flies JSF Radar

Northrop Grumman Corporation has begun initial flight testing of the advanced fire-control radar being developed for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News