Bill Carey

It’s the star of the flying display, but the presence here of the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter is not just for show. “Make no mistake, the F-35’s participation in the Paris Air Show is a clear sign of U.S. support to our NATO allies and coalition partners. It demonstrates our vested interest in security and stability across Europe and the fact that no nation confronts today’s security challenges alone.” So said Col. Todd Canterbury, director of the Air Force F-35 Integration Office in the Pentagon, here last Monday.

 


Col. Canterbury explained that the two aircraft flown to Paris were from the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill AFB, which is flying the latest jets equipped with Block 3i software. That allows Lockheed Martin test pilot Billie Flynn to demonstrate the F-35A like never before; an aggressive square loop, a 25 degrees-plus angle of attack slow-speed pass, a spectacular set of pedal turns, and a tight 360-degree turn, all serve to show that the stealth jet can be a dogfighter as well as a strike plane. “This aircraft is operational, it is ready for combat and it provides unmatched levels of lethality, survivability and adaptability,” Canterbury continued.

 


The suspension of flying at the main F-35A training base cast a temporary shadow over proceedings, but operations at Luke AFB resumed yesterday. No root cause has been identified for the five physiological events logged there by pilots over a month-long period. Five temporary provisions have been introduced to prevent a recurrance.

 


Jeff Babione, F-35 program general manager for Lockheed Martin, reviewed progress with international customers. Australia has two at Luke; Israel now has five jets at Nevatim air base; Italy has three at Amendola; Japan has four at Luke plus the one rolled out recently after assembly in-country; the Netherlands has two at Edwards AFB; Norway has five at Luke; and the UK has nine at MCAS Beaufort, Edwards and Eglin AFBs. Canada, Denmark, Korea, Norway and Turkey have all announced intentions to acquire, although Canada is having second thoughts.

 


Only Italy, the UK and the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) are customers for the F-35B short-takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version. The head of USMC aviation Gen Jon ‘Dog’ Davis gave an upbeat progress report here Tuesday. “This is the most capable airplane we have ever fielded. We’re just scratching the surface of what we can do with it,” he said. The first operational squadron is now at MCAS Iwakuni on Okinawa, its permanent base. The second squadron will declare initial operating capability (IOC) soon. Davis particularly highlighted ‘hot’ re-arm and refuel operations that have reduced F-35B turnround times to 15 minutes.

 


British Rear Admiral Keith Blount briefed on the UK’s forthcoming Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. “We’re building “two fifth-generation vessels for a fifth-generation fighter.” Davis is a fan of them, describing them as “incredible ships…we’re very interested in operating from them,” he said. Blount also said that the UK and the U.S. had signed a statement of intent (SOI) to make that happen. The QE-II ships can take a maximum 36 F-35Bs.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

F-35 Stamps Fifth-Gen Authority On Paris

JSF makes statements on the air and on the ground at the 2017 Salon du Bourget, where it was the star of the show.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Agreement covers up to 12 of the Alia-250 model and is Beta's second sale in New Zealand

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Orders Beta's eVTOL Aircraft

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Midnight eVTOL aircraft production begins in 2025

Archer Completes Georgia eVTOL Factory

AmyWilder

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Deliveries of the turboprop single can now start in the UK

Piper M700 Fury Secures UK CAA Nod

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Testing on Quarterhorse Mk 1 was completed in 21 days

Hermeus Completes Quarterhorse Demonstrator Ground Tests

Jessica Reed

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Leadership changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025

Dave Yip To Take Over as Acting CEO of Metrojet

N1000-XSS1 technology demonstrator achieves first test flight

U.S. Start-up Nimbus Flies Electric Bizjet Demonstrator

Latest structural tests earned credits towards FAA type certification

Joby Completes Static Load Tests on eVTOL Aircraft Tail

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

2017 Paris Airshow

More In Aircraft