AF gets its 1st F-35!

Bullet

10-Year Member
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Jan 9, 2008
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Last Friday evening, under a clear California desert sky, AF-7 (the first production F-35A accepted by the AF) arrived at Edwards AFB. We can expect another to deliver to Edwards in the next couple of weeks, and then another to deliver to Eglin AFB, FL around the end of the month.

After that, one or two a month for the rest of the year, then even more after that.

One down, 1762 more to go! (at least that is the number for the AF as of now, we'll wait and see if that holds up based on current fiscal realities...)

Slowly, but surely, the next generation of tactical strike aircraft are entering the US inventory. I envy the young men and women on these forums who will one day have the chance to fly (and fight, and WIN!) in these awesome machines! :thumb:
 
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Last Friday evening, under a clear California desert sky, AF-7 (the first production F-35A accepted by the AF) arrived at Edwards AFB. We can expect another to deliver to Edwards in the next couple of weeks, and then another to deliver to Eglin AFB, FL around the end of the month.

After that, one or two a month for the rest of the year, then even more after that.

One down, 1762 more to go! (at least that is the number for the AF as of now, we'll wait and see if that holds up based on current fiscal realities...)

Slowly, but surely, the next generation of tactical strike aircraft are entering the US inventory. I envy the young men and women on these forums who will one day have the chance to fly (and fight, and WIN!) in these awesome machines! :thumb:
Only one question: is the "Block 20" mod the UAS conversion? :shake:
:biglaugh:

All kidding aside, I'm in with you there...this will just be an amazing aircraft!!! This old pilot would LOVE to have his shot...oh well...maybe I can sit in one at an airshow.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
I know of a certain Lt. who will be graduating from UPT around February of 2013 who would like to get ahold of one of those. :biggrin:

Stealth_81
 
My son was just talking not too long ago that if he gets accepted for grad school out of the academy, it has 2 major bonuses. 1. Obviously, getting your masters out of the way early will help you later on with assignments/promotions when you have a family and time is more scarce. 2. He Graduates the academy in 2012 and he's medically/physically qualified, so getting a pilot slot is a good chance. By going to grad school first; if accepted; it will put him out another 1 to 2 years before starting UPT; then the time there before getting a plane. Basically, it gives him a better chance of more F-35's on active duty and him possibly getting one.

But one thing at a time. 2 more days of finals, then he can look forward to becoming a Firstie. Then he can work on the rest of his plan.
 
Just don't puke in the plane at UPT. Otherwise, you go from F-35 dreams to a Minuteman III reality. :shake:

just kidding...sort of.
 
Plenty of UPT trainees have heaved in flight. It's a matter of can you get over it. I.e. Puking your first few times up, and not after that is one thing. Puking every time they close the canopy is another story all together.

I do find something curious, being you brought up the puking topic. Just like getting car sick, I know plenty of people who do, but NEVER have I heard of an individual get car sick when THEY were the one doing the driving. Same with a pilot. Not saying it's not possible, but I've never heard of a person puking in a plane when THEY were the one in control of the stick. Yet, that doesn't seem to be taken into consideration. Or maybe it is.... mike...
 
Plenty of UPT trainees have heaved in flight. It's a matter of can you get over it. I.e. Puking your first few times up, and not after that is one thing. Puking every time they close the canopy is another story all together.

I do find something curious, being you brought up the puking topic. Just like getting car sick, I know plenty of people who do, but NEVER have I heard of an individual get car sick when THEY were the one doing the driving. Same with a pilot. Not saying it's not possible, but I've never heard of a person puking in a plane when THEY were the one in control of the stick. Yet, that doesn't seem to be taken into consideration. Or maybe it is.... mike...

Inherent in my comment was that you do not want to become a repeat puker. A puke or two won't kill you. :shake: I had several of the repeat category in my missile squadron at Minot (from UNT and UPT).
 
Inherent in my comment was that you do not want to become a repeat puker. A puke or two won't kill you. :shake: I had several of the repeat category in my missile squadron at Minot (from UNT and UPT).

That would suck. Nothing against missile jocks, I have a lot of friends here at F.E. Warren, but if you make it into UPT and wash out, it's hard to find a 2nd good choice for a career. Even if you were in the top-10 in your class. That's one thing my son is worried about. His GPA puts him in the top of his class. I think he's like #11. OPA he's at the #20-#30 some place. He could probably get any of the jobs he wants, assuming there's openings. But he wants to fly. So pilot is his #1 choice. He then has a couple of non-rated as his backup jobs. He's worried that if he doesn't make it through UPT and has to go for another career, it won't be anything on his list; but rather a services, CE, etc... type of job. He's willing to take the chance, but it would be really disheartening if it all backfired.

Hopefully he'll get his grad school upon graduation. Then worry about UPT after that.
 
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