First USAF F-35A Refueling Across the Atlantic
07/02/2016
07/02/2016: Documentation of the first F-35A trans-Atlantic aerial refuel on the way to the United Kingdom. Credit: Air Combat Command:7/1/16
RAF and Dutch Operations at the 33rd Fighter Wing
07/16/2015
07/16/2015:In this video, the RAF is seen during some operational training with the USMC at the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB. Group Squadron Leader Nichols explains the approach. Also shown in the video are the Dutch engage with the USAF on the F-35A. And as Nichols explained in our…
RAAF Pilot Completes His First F-35A Flight
03/25/2015
03/25/2015: In this video from the Australian Ministry of Defence, an Australian pilot describes his first flight of an Australian F-35 at Luke AFB. He described the plane as easy to fly and the experience very symmetrical with his training on the simulator. His main concern was not falling off…
Visiting the F-35 Final Assembly Line, Fort Worth
03/01/2015
02/26/2015: By Robbin Laird I had not visited the Final Assembly Line or FAL in Fort Worth since late 2012. Much has changed as the line has matured, and a line stood up in Cameri, Italy and one being built in Japan. The first Italian FACO F-35 rollout will happen…
Understanding the Basic F-35: What is in the Baseline Aircraft? (Updated)
05/13/2012
The F-35 represents a new approach to the development, production, system and sustainment of a fleet of combat aircraft. Additionally, the F-35 takes an innovative approach to collaborative upgrades over the airframe and global fleet’s life cycle. Too often an understanding of the basic aircraft rolling out of production right…
Viewing the First F-35 Night Flight
01/25/2012
01/25/2012 The first night flight in the history of the F-35 Program was completed Wednesday, January 18, 2011 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Piloted by Lockheed Martin Test Pilot Mark Ward, AF-6, an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, launched at 5:05 p.m. PST and landed after sunset…
The Japanese F-35 Decision: A Building Block in A New Pacific Strategy
01/08/2012
01/08/2012 - by Robbin Laird The F-35 will be a cornerstone of Japanese defense. The Japanese know something about technology. As a leader in technology worldwide, the Japanese decision validates the cutting edge role of the F-35. The F-35 is the first aircraft in history which can see 360 degrees…
Pacific Strategy XVII: The Way Ahead
11/01/2011
11/01/2011 We have laid out several key building blocks for a new Pacific strategy which leverages the new platforms we are building now or about to build. We also believe that the approach we have laid out allows the United States to take the best of what we are currently…