EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California F-35A Launch AIM-120 AMRAAM : Courtesy F-35 Program Office US Air Force 's F-35A conventional ...
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California
US Air Force's F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft variant completed the first in-flight missile launch of an AIM-120 air to air missile over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range, California on June 5.
It was the first launch where the F-35 and AIM-120 demonstrated a successful launch-to-eject communications sequence and fired the rocket motor after launch -- paving the way for targeted launches in support of the Block 2B fleet release capability later this year.
The Air Force F-35A variant has seen significant development in training and operations recently including the beginning of pilot training at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, the delivery of the first operational test aircraft to Edwards and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, the first operational aerial refueling and the completion of high angle of attack testing.
The F-35A 5th Generation stealth 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 maximize stealth capability. The CTOL aircraft can also utilize an additional three external weapon stations per wing if required.
The U.S. Air Force has established an F-35A initial operating capability target date of December 2016. By this date, the Air Force will have fielded an operational squadron with at least 12 aircraft along with Airmen trained and equipped to conduct basic close air support, interdiction and limited suppression, and destruction of enemy air defense operations in a contested environment.
Moving into the active phase of weapons test is another large step toward delivering Block 2B software capability that will enable initial combat deployment.
F-35 Lightning II combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment.
Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for other countries.
The AIM-120 is an advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) with all-weather and beyond-visual-range (BVR) capability.
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| F-35A Launch AIM-120 AMRAAM : Courtesy F-35 Program Office |
US Air Force's F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft variant completed the first in-flight missile launch of an AIM-120 air to air missile over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range, California on June 5.
It was the first launch where the F-35 and AIM-120 demonstrated a successful launch-to-eject communications sequence and fired the rocket motor after launch -- paving the way for targeted launches in support of the Block 2B fleet release capability later this year.
The Air Force F-35A variant has seen significant development in training and operations recently including the beginning of pilot training at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, the delivery of the first operational test aircraft to Edwards and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, the first operational aerial refueling and the completion of high angle of attack testing.
The F-35A 5th Generation stealth 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 maximize stealth capability. The CTOL aircraft can also utilize an additional three external weapon stations per wing if required.
The U.S. Air Force has established an F-35A initial operating capability target date of December 2016. By this date, the Air Force will have fielded an operational squadron with at least 12 aircraft along with Airmen trained and equipped to conduct basic close air support, interdiction and limited suppression, and destruction of enemy air defense operations in a contested environment.
Moving into the active phase of weapons test is another large step toward delivering Block 2B software capability that will enable initial combat deployment.
F-35 Lightning II combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment.
Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for other countries.
The AIM-120 is an advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) with all-weather and beyond-visual-range (BVR) capability.
