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.
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 ›
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 ›
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...
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).
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 ›
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ›
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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...
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
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.
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).
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...
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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...
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.
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...
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.
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
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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. ...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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. ...
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
19 April 2013 | DefenseNews.com
F-35 Head: Flying Hours 10 Percent Higher than F-16
Estimates put cost at $24,000 per hour
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.
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...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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).
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
30 November 2012 | AviationWeek
Lockheed Martin, Pentagon Strike F-35 Production Deal
A few details remain to be worked out on LRIP Lot 5
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...
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...
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.
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.
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 ...
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. ...
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.
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
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.
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.
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...
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.
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,...
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...
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 ...
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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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
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.
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.
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. ...
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 ...
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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."
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 ...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.'
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...
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...
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 ...
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. ...
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...
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 ...
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.
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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. ...
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. ...
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...
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...
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.
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
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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. ...
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.
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.
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. ...
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...
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.
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.'
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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...
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. ...
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...
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.
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. ...
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 ...
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...
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. ...
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. ...
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.'
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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. ...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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
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 ...
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...
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...
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.
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
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...
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
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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...
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.
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...
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.
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:
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.
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.
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, ...
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...
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
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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. ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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...
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.
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.
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...
1 October 2010 | AviationWeek
F-35 Flights Suspended
The Pentagon says all flights were suspended earlier this week as a routine safety precaution.
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 ...
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.
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...
29 September 2010 | Key.Aero
Norway delays F-35 purchase
The proposed purchase of F-35A Lightning IIs for Norway is to be "adjusted".
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.
2 September 2010 | Key.Aero
F-35B reliability worries
The reliability of Lockheed Martin's F-35B is causing concern.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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.”
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.
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.
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...
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.
8 July 2010 | Key.Aero
First missions-systems equipped F-35A flies
The ninth F-35 Lightning II aircraft has entered flight testing.
7 July 2010 | Key.Aero
More F-35s ordered
The US Government has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for 42 F-35s.
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...
23 June 2010 | Key.Aero
Radar tests begin on F-35
Northrop Grumman has tested its APG-81 AESA radar on the F-35.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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
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 ...
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...
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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...
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...
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.
6 April 2010 | Key.Aero
First F-35 unit forms
The first active-duty F-35 squadron has stood-up in the US.
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..
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...
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.
26 March 2010 | Key.Aero
Romania confirms interest in F-35
Romania may go for F-35.
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
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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
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.
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