First UK Operational Flight of F-35

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09/08/2013

09/08/2013: The first solo flight of the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) by a UK operational pilot has taken place in the United States.

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Credit Photos: 33rd Fighter Wing

On 19 March at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Squadron Leader Frankie Buchler piloted the fifth-generation multi-role stealth aircraft for the first time. The RAF pilot has been stationed at the Florida base since November last year undergoing intensive training on the JSF which will equip both RAF and Royal Navy squadrons in the future.

Having previously undertaken a number of training sorties in a simulator, Sqn Ldr Buchler’s first solo concentrated on the subtle differences between the two and flying the aircraft in the airfield circuit.

Speaking after his flight Sqn Ldr Buchler said: “It flies very smoothly. Nothing unexpected, it went pretty well.”

The RAF pilot, who has previously flown Jaguar and Typhoon, will now undertake a further five training sorties before receiving his initial qualifications which will in turn enable him to begin an instructor upgrade course.

Commenting on the flight, Group Captain Harv Smyth the JSF UK National Deputy said: “Whilst this marks a landmark event in the flying career of Sqn Ldr Buchler, it also represents the culmination of a magnificent team effort on both sides of the Atlantic.

“This last year has witnessed many “firsts” for the UK Lightning programme, not least the acceptance of our first aircraft: this sortie, the first to be flown by an operational pilot, represents the start of the UK’s path towards declaration of an Initial Operating Capability in 2018 with our very own stealthy, fifth generation air system.”

He added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved with the Programme, either directly or indirectly, as their tenacious efforts have proven vital to getting our first operational pilot airborne. This is been the epitome of a whole team effort.”

The first two UK F-35 Lightning II aircraft are based at Eglin and operate with the US Marine Corps who are also purchasing the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) version of the aircraft.

The F-35 features both advanced stealth technology and the speed and agility of a fighter. Combined with the aircraft’s technologically advanced sensors and its ability to operate from land or the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, F-35 will keep UK Defence at the cutting edge of military aviation.

The aircraft has a number of features designed to minimise its radar signature, including identical sweep angles on the leading and trailing edges of wings and tails, saw toothed seams on both canopy and weapon-bay doors, and the ability to carry a range of weapons internally.

The impressive strike power of Lightning is however only part of its capability. The electronic systems aboard also make the aircraft a tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) asset providing unheralded situational awareness to pilots and commanders.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/first-uk-operational-flight-of-f35-20032013

 

 

 

Secretary Wynne Visits the 33rd Fighter Wing

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09/07/2013

09/07/2013: On September 4, 2013, Secretary Wynne visited Eglin and the 33rd Fighter Wing. 

The man who crafted the concept of the fifth generation aircraft saw first hand the progress at Eglin and re-affirmed the impact of critical mass at Eglin in rolling out new capabilities.

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Credit Photos: Second Line of Defense 2013

  • In the first photo, Col. Canterbury, the CO of the Wing, greets Secretary Wynne.  The CO provided an overview on progress at the Wing and then Secretary Wynne provided a strategic look at the roll out of 5th generation warfare.
  • In the second and third photos, Wynne goes to the maintenance classroom.  Here he learned that the quality of the training allowed the maintainers to execute their mission well when they go to the flight line.  He suggested that the digital quality of the program could later be transformed into a global network and distribution system.
  • In the fourth photo, Wynne visits the weapons loading training area.  The training machines free up aircraft so that training does not take away from the operational time of the aircraft.
  • In the fifth photo, Wynne is seen in the F-35 cockpit.
  • In the sixth photo, Col. Canterbury explains the innovations and improvements, which the new seat provides for the F-35 pilot.  Wynne explained to the Col. and his team, that the Russians provided an important lesson learned with regard to the seat, which has been incorporated into the program.
  • In the seventh photo, Wynne is briefed on the helmet and flight suit for the F-35 and the important improvements provided by the helmet.
  • In the eighth and ninth photos, Wynne is briefed in the USAF hanger about low observable maintenance for the F-35.  The F-35 provides significant advances in maintainability for LO.
  • In the tenth and eleventh photos, Wynne visits the USN and USMC squadrons and gets briefed on the aircraft and the training approach.
  • In the twelfth photo, Wynne sits down with Lt. Col. Berke and they discuss his time in the F-22, enabled by Wynne, and the progress in the fifth generation revolution.  They had never met prior to this visit.
  • In the final photo, the PAO for the Wing, Major Karen Roganov and Secretary Wynne stand in front of the entrance to the Warlords training facility.

Wynne on Distance Learning

For a comprehensive look at Secretary Wynne’s perspective on the evolution of 21st century con-ops under the influence of the 5th generation revolution see the following:

Wynne

For our new book The Three Dimensional Warriors which looks at the USMC approach to combat innovation see the following:

https://www.sldinfo.com/three-dimensional-warriors-the-re-making-of-air-assault/

 

 

F-22 and F-35 Flying at Eglin

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09/06/2013

09/06/2013: In this slideshow, the F-35 and F-22 are seen flying together at Eglin AFB. 

These photos were shot on September 9, 2012 and are credited to Major Karen Roganov, Team Eglin PA, 33rd FW and Sgt. Jeremy Lock.

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Marines Showcase the F-35B in MCAS Beaufort’s Future

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08/26/2013: On 20 August 2013, Marine Aircraft Group 31 hosted a showcase of the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC.

During the event, MajGen Robert Hedelund, Second Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General, addressed government dignitaries and the local media.

 Credit:Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort- Combat Camera:8/20/13

F-35B Hot Refuel at MCAS Miramar

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08/26/2013

08/26/2013: Two U.S. Marine F-35B Lightning II jets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, Marine Air Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conduct a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Ariz. to MCAS Miramar, San Diego, Calif., Aug. 7, 2013 for a hot pit refuel.

This evolution marked the first time a F-35B Lightning II executed a hot pit refuel at MCAS Miramar.

 Credit:3D Marine Aircraft Wing Combat Camera:8/7/13

ATK and the F-35

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2013-08-26 According to a recent article by Mitch Shaw of the Standard-Examiner, ATK provides an important role for the F-35 and this role is also important to the F-35 being deployed to Hill AFB.

The future viability of Hill Air Force Base could hinge on the work being done by an aerospace manufacturer just a few miles down the road.

On August 21st, ATK celebrated the completion of its 150th wing skin for the F-35 Lightning II, the 5th generation, international, multi-role fighter aircraft that will serve as the replacement to the F-16.

During an event held in ATK’s Aerospace Structures facility in Clearfield’s Freeport Center, Lockheed Martin and ATK officials and members of Utah’s Congressional Delegation highlighted ATK’s work on the F-35, as well as the fighter’s role in protecting national security and the program’s economic impact across the U.S. and within Utah.

“The work being done right here at this facility plays a huge role in Hill Air Force Base’s future,” said Utah Senator Orrin Hatch. “The F-35 is the future of the base and the work that is going on here is essential to the jet’s success.”

ATK manufactures several composite structures for the F-35 at the company’s Clearfield facility, including upper and lower wing skins, straps, engines nacelles, covers and inlet ducts.

Hill is listed as the Air Force’s preferred alternative for the location of the first two operational squadrons of the jet and a possible third squadron.

The move would bring 72 new jets to the base. Hill currently has two F-16 squadrons and 48 jets.

Hill also provides modification and maintenance support on the F-35.

Excerpts from the following article:

http://www.standard.net/stories/2013/08/21/hill-viability-may-hinge-atk-f-35-work

 

Guns Aboard the USS Bataan

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08/05/2013

08/05/2013: Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Justin Schatzinger fires a remotely controlled MK 38 MOD II 25 mm Chain Gun from a control station in combat aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) June 5.

This weapon can be fired from the control station or from the gun mount itself through a manual fire option.

Bataan is underway in the Atlantic Ocean performing routine training and qualifications.

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Credit:USS Bataan (LHD 5):6/5/3

  • In the second photo, Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Nathan Boyer instructs Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Justin Schatzinger on the proper operation of MK 38 MOD II 25 mm Chain Gun operating console in combat aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) June 5.
  • In the third photo, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Adam Miller the safety observer during a MK 38 MOD ll 25 mm Chain Gun firing exercise aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), June 5.
  • In the fourth photo, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Adam Miller ,the safety observer during a MK 38 MOD ll 25 mm Chain Gun firing exercise aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), June 5.
  • In the final photo, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Adam Miller, the safety observer during a MK 38 MOD ll 25 mm Chain Gun firing exercise aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), June 5. The weapon can be fired from a remote control station or from the gun mount itself