Image Credit:Lockheed Martin The first Australian pilot has commenced training on the F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter aircraft- A...
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Image Credit:Lockheed Martin
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The first Australian pilot has commenced training on the F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter aircraft- Australia’s first fifth-generation aircraft.
Squadron Leader Andrew Jackson, commenced training, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, United States.
SQNLDR Jackson will undergo an intensive training program before he takes his first flight in the coming months.
He will have an important future role as an Instructor Pilot for Australian and international F-35A pilots, and was selected for his operational flying skills, extensive experience and leadership.
The second Australian F-35A pilot, SQNLDR David Bell, will begin his training in mid-2015. SQNLDR Bell is a qualified Test Pilot.
The first Australian F-35A will arrive at the end of 2018 with the first operational squadron to be established by 2020. The F-35A will replace the aging F/A-18A/B Hornets at RAAF Bases Williamtown (NSW) and Tindal (NT).
Australia has 72 F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant on order.
