Wed, Sep 25, 2013
Will Become First CTOL Variant Used For Block 2B Testing
The U.S. Air Force's Air Logistics Complex (ALC) at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah, hosted a ceremony Friday marking the arrival of the first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft to a depot facility.
The aircraft ferried from Nellis AFB, NV, and will be the first Air Force F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant used in the Block 2B Operational Testing & Evaluation (OT&E) program in 2015. The aircraft will receive a series of structural and systems modifications at Ogden to enhance critical capabilities needed during OT&E testing. This marks the second depot opened this year. In July, the U.S. Marines welcomed the first F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant at Cherry Point, N.C.
"For decades the shared partnership between Lockheed Martin the Ogden ALC team has taken our legacy platforms, the F-16, C-130 and F-22, to the next level, and the same will hold true for the F-35 Lightning II," said Lorraine Martin, F-35 vice president and general manager. "This aircraft was designed from its inception to evolve through modifications and upgrades so that our warfighters can continually outpace their opposition. I look forward to what the future holds for the F-35 and am excited to see that evolution unfold."
The Ogden Air Logistics Complex provides logistics, support, maintenance and distribution for the nation's premier fighter aircraft: the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt. In addition, it maintains the C-130 Hercules, T-38 Talon and other weapon systems, as well as the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. The ALC employs more than 7,500 military, civilian and contract personnel at Hill Air Force Base.
(F-35A pictured in file photo)
More News
Newest USAF Drone Begins Process in Earnest The YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft has begun its flight testing in coordination with the U.S. Air Force, taking a vital step towa>[...]
“What a great moment for the U.S. Air Force and for GA-ASI. It’s been our collaboration that enabled us to build and fly the YFQ-42A in just over a year. It’s an >[...]
Airline Pilots Jettisoned 15,000 Pounds of Fuel Over Populated Areas Five years after one of its Boeing 777s dumped 15,000 pounds of jet fuel onto neighborhoods, Delta Air Lines ha>[...]
GAO Report Says that Only 69 Aviation Meteorologists Work Alongside ATC A federal watchdog says the FAA is running the nation’s air traffic system with fewer weather experts >[...]
Also: 500-Aircraft Deal With China, Florida ANG's F-35, FAA Denies Petition, UC Central Arkansas Aviation Academy The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is offering its apologies t>[...]
YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft Starts Flight Testing
See All