2015-01-15 By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake Nellis AFB, Nevada A new chapter in developing the next generation of combat airpower has just opened at the USAF Weapons School, Nellis AFB. We attended the arrival ceremony of the first fully operational F-35A into the USAF Weapons School. F-35s have been…
2014-12-14 By Robbin Laird The F-35 is entering service at a critical juncture when air and ground dynamics are being linked in new ways. A 360 degree sensing aircraft which can do close air support and other air superiority missions in new ways, the F-35 will become a staple of…
2014-12-19 The first RAAF F-35A has arrived at Luke AFB, and opens up the international training side of Luke AFB. Luke AFB is to be the center of excellence for the US and the allies in training to use the F-35A and to shaping integration of the aircraft as well.…
2014-12-18 The US Department of Defense officially announced the decision to standup up the initial sustainment centers in the Pacific for the F-35. According to a story by Claudette Roulo, DoD News, Defense Media Activity: WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2014 – Japan and Australia will be sharing maintenance and upgrade duties…
2014-12-17 Recently, we published an interview with Group Captain Paul Godfrey, one of the senior RAF officers involved with bringing the F-35B into service with the UK armed forces. A key aspect which he highlighted was the cross-fertilization of the force by bringing both the F-35B and the new class…
2014-12-13 The F-35 is built by a 21st century manufacturing approach. When viewing the assembly line in Fort Worth, the reality of assembling a stealth aircraft is evident. Less evident is the 21st century approaches taken by the core industrial partners and global suppliers who ship in the core sections…
2014-12-13 The F-35 is not an airplane, but an air system. And one which will be global in character. Operationally, the impact of an integrated F-35 fleet will be significant. And no less so will be the global sustainment possibilities inherent in the program. The program has built in a…
2014-12-05 By Robbin Laird During my recent visit to the European Air Group, I had a chance to sit down with one of the Royal Air Force officers in charge of the aircraft's entry into service. Group Captain Paul Godfrey, OBE has extensive experience of a range of combat aircraft…
