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  • F-16s, MiGs engage over Bulgarian skies

    U.S. pilots from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons based out of Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been given a rare opportunity to train and share experiences with Bulgarian air force MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots during their deployment here in support of Thracian Star 2012.Since the start of the

  • F-2 makes live bomb debut during exercise

    "Hands-on" took on real meaning for members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force as F-2 support fighter pilots dropped the first live weapons from the fighter here June 13 as part of Exercise Cope North. As there is no live range in Japan, the F-2 pilots used this opportunity to practice with live

  • F-22 begins first overseas deployment

    The first overseas operational deployment of the Air Force's newest fighter is underway as 12 F-22 Raptors landed here Feb. 7 en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan. The aircraft and more than 250 Airmen from the 27th Fighter Squadron from Langley AFB, Va., are supporting the U.S. Pacific Command's

  • F-22 crash claims life of Edwards pilot

    An Air Force F-22 Raptor crash March 25 near here claimed the life of an Air Force veteran and Lockheed Martin test pilot. David Cooley, 49, of Palmdale, Calif., died when the F-22 he was piloting crashed northeast of the base here. Mr. Cooley worked as a test pilot with Lockheed Martin, and was

  • F-22 crashes in California

    An Air Force F-22 Raptor from Edwards Air Force Base crashed about 10 a.m. March 25 approximately 35 miles northeast of the base.  The condition of the pilot is unknown at this time. The aircraft was on a test mission at the time of the accident. A board of officers will investigate the accident. As

  • F-22 crashes on Eglin AFB range

    The pilot ejected safely from the aircraft and was transported to the 96th Medical Group hospital on Eglin AFB for evaluation and observation. He was listed in stable condition. The name of the pilot has not been released.

  • F-22 CTF tests missile noise, vibration

    The F-22 Combined Test Force here achieved another first when an F-22A Raptor flew with an AIM-120D missile in its weapons bay to test the effect of noise and vibration on the missile.What was unique about the April 14 flight was that the weapon on board, the latest version of the AIM-120 Advanced

  • F-22 demo team inspires at children's hospital

    Upon arriving at La Rabida Children's Hospital on Chicago's lakeshore Aug. 15, members of the Air Force's F-22 Raptor demonstration team noticed an immediate mood change in the air. The specialty hospital, which holistically treats more than 9,000 children annually, was one of the first places the

  • F-22 deployment to Kadena delayed

    While en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 10, a software issue affecting the F-22 Raptor's navigation system was discovered. All aircraft, which departed Hickam AFB earlier that day, returned safely. F-22 engineers and maintainers are working to update the software. After successful testing,

  • F-22 endures 3-week, cold-weather test at Eielson

    An F-22 Raptor came here for three weeks in November to test the aircraft's braking system on ice in time for the first snow at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, home to several F-22s since August. "We were validating the F-22 braking system's stability and performance as well as evaluating

  • F-22 excels at establishing air dominance

    Beginning with Lot 7 production of the F-22 Raptor, the Air Force hopes to enter into a cost-saving, multi-year procurement contract with the aircraft and engine manufacturer. According to Maj. Gen. Richard B.H. Lewis, Air Force executive officer for the F-22 program, a multi-year procurement

  • F-22 exchange pilot helps strengthen U.S., Australian ties

    A Royal Australian Air Force pilot assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron has had the opportunity to fly the Air Force's premier fighter, the F-22 Raptor, as part of a foreign pilot exchange program. Squadron Leader Matthew Harper is an F-22 instructor pilot and the 90th EFS flight

  • F-22 fleet to resume flight operations

    The Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz have recently approved an implementation plan developed by Air Combat Command officials that will allow the F-22 Raptor to resume flight operations after a four-month stand down.The commander of Air Combat Command

  • F-22 inaugural deployment to Europe

    Four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III, and approximately 60 Airmen arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to train with allied air forces and U.S. services through mid-September.

  • F-22 performs first drop of small diameter bomb

    The F-22 Raptor Combined Test Force staff conducted the first airborne separation of a small diameter bomb from the internal weapons bay of an F-22 during a September test mission here. "This is a major milestone for the F-22 modernization roadmap," said Lt. Col. Daniel Daetz, the 411th Flight Test

  • F-22 pilot flies boy's letter 'closer to heaven'

    MacAidan "Mac" Gallegos was only 5 when his father, Army Sgt. Justin Gallegos, was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. Not a day goes by that he doesn't think about him. On days like Jan. 24, his father's 31st birthday, he has found a special way to celebrate his birthday and honor his memory. "I wanted

  • F-22 pilots fire live missiles at Combat Archer

    More than 200 pilots, maintainers and operations support staff from the 1st Fighter Wing are gaining firsthand experience in loading and firing live missiles at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, from July 6-20, 2018.

  • F-22 Raptor crashes at Tyndall AFB

    An F-22 Raptor crashed Nov. 15, at 3:30 p.m. on Tyndall Air Force , Fla., one quarter mile east of the drone runway.Highway 98 has been closed from Dupont Bridge to the "Welcome to Mexico Beach" sign as a safety precaution. The incident is not on Highway 98.The pilot ejected from the aircraft safely

  • F-22 Raptor crew chiefs begin training

    The first class of F-22 Raptor crew chiefs began training Jan. 29 at the $21 million Raptor Maintenance Training Facility at Sheppard. Seven Airmen new to the Air Force, and one cross-trainee from the Virginia Air National Guard, are the first to undergo initial skills training on the F-22. "Thank

  • F-22 Raptor flown on synthetic biofuel

    An F-22 Raptor successfully flew at supercruise March 18 on a 50/50 fuel blend of conventional petroleum-based JP-8 and biofuel derived from camelina, a weed-like plant not used for food.The flight was the capstone of a series of ground and flight test events conducted by members of the 411th Flight

  • F-22 Raptor ready for its combat role

    While the 27th Fighter Squadron is still figuring out the processes needed to deploy its F-22 Raptors to war, it is ready to go now. Squadron director of operations Lt. Col. Kevin Fesler said the Langley Air Force Base, Va., unit is still normalizing its operations. But he said if the call comes,

  • F-22 Raptor rolls out in Hawaii

    Top military and local community leaders gathered here July 9 for a dedication service for the F-22 Raptor.Hundreds of onlookers gathered with members of the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard and people from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to welcome the F-22, a fifth

  • F-22 Raptor team garners Collier Trophy

    The National Aeronautic Association presented its Robert J. Collier Trophy to the Lockheed Martin Corporation for their role in the development of the Air Force's F-22 Raptor. The Air Force was part of the team awarded the honor, one of the nation's most prestigious prizes for aeronautical and space

  • F-22 Raptor team recipient of DOD maintenance award

    A team responsible for depot maintenance on the F-22 Raptor is one of the recipients of the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award for depot and field-level units. These awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in weapon system and military equipment maintenance. The

  • F-22 Raptors arrive in Romania

    Two F-22 Raptors and one KC-135 Stratotanker arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, on April 22. The F-22s and approximately 20 supporting Airmen are from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The KC-135 is from the 916th Air Refueling Wing deployed from Seymour

  • F-22 Raptors conduct show of force over South Korea

    Four U.S. F-22 Raptors conducted a combined formation flight alongside South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons here to demonstrate the capabilities of both nations Feb. 17, in response to recent provocative actions by North Korea.

  • F-22 Raptors deploy to Kadena

    F-22A Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, and arrived July 28 local time. Pacific Air Forces Theater Security Package deployments to the Asia-Pacific region signify a continued commitment to regional stability and security, while

  • F-22 resumes normal flight operations

    The F-22 Raptor has resumed normal flight operations after modifications to aircrew life-support equipment were completed across the fleet, including the upper pressure garment and related hoses, valves and connectors. Completion of this task eliminates the need to restrict flight operations to

  • F-22 scheduled for first overseas deployment

    Air Force officials are scheduled to deploy a squadron of F-22 Raptors to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Package in the Western Pacific in early 2007. This will be the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest fighter. The F-22 is a

  • F-22 scientific board findings announced pilot safety is priority

    Air Force leaders provided an update on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board study into the F-22 Raptor life support systems and flight operations during a briefing in the Pentagon March 29.Retired Gen. Gregory Martin, an aviator and a former commander of two major commands, chaired the nine

  • F-22A Raptor flies first operational missions

    The F-22A Raptor showed another of its capabilities when it flew its first two operational sorties over the United States in support of Operation Noble Eagle Jan. 21 and 22. The Raptor mission came one week after the 27th Fighter Squadron -- the first unit to fly the jet -- converted to the Air

  • F-22A Raptor goes operational

    The F-22A Raptor -- Air Force’s most advanced weapon system -- is ready for combat, Air Force officials announced here today. In reaching initial operational capability, the Raptor is certified ready for operational use. The first combat-ready Raptors are flying with the 27th Fighter Squadron of the

  • F-22A took long road to initial operational capability

    With the F-22A Raptor's initial operational capability declaration Dec. 15 came the capstone of a process that began 76 months earlier, in August 1997, when a C-5 Galaxy landed here and taxied down the expansive "Contractor's Row" with several crates and boxes in its cargo bay for what is now known

  • F-22s arrive in Estonia

    Two F-22 Raptors and a KC-135 Stratotanker arrived at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, Sept. 5.

  • F-22s at Langley receive FOC status

    F-22 Raptors here reached full operational capability Dec. 12, said Gen. John D.W. Corley, the commander of Air Combat Command.The announcement officially makes Langley's F-22 squadrons combat ready. FOC for the F-22 means the aircraft are now ready for global engagement, said Lt. Col. Mark Hansen,

  • F-22s begin training in Japan

    F-22 Raptors took to the sky over Japan Jan. 14 as members of the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron began flight operations with Kadena Air Base officials. More than 200 Airmen and 12 F-22s from Langley Air Force Base, Va., are operating out of Kadena AB to demonstrate the continued U.S.

  • F-22s complete first Middle East deployment

    Airmen completed the first deployment of F-22 Raptors to the Middle East in mid-December.The fifth-generation fighters and their crews were in the area as part of a multinational exercise where pilots from a variety of nations train together in fighting a large-scale air war. This was the first

  • F-22s deploy to Europe to show support for allies

    F-22 Raptors, Airmen and associated equipment were deployed to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, on April 11 to conduct air training with other Europe-based aircraft. The F-22s come from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, and will continue training until May.

  • F-22s deploy to Guam

    Approximately 130 Airmen and five F-22 Raptors from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are deployed to Guam for two weeks to fulfill security requirements in the Asia Pacific region.During the deployment, the Airmen will participate in exercises Jungle Shield and Cope Thaw. Exercise Jungle Shield

  • F-22s make mark at Red Flag

    The F-22 Raptor flew in its first Red Flag exercise that started Feb. 3 here, showcasing its stealth, super cruise and other advantages absent in legacy fighters. Pilots from the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are flying F-22s against Red Flag aggressors, with pilots from the

  • F-22s scheduled to deploy to Japan, Guam

    Air Force officials have scheduled to deploy two contingents of F-22 Raptors to the Pacific theater in January 2009 for approximately three months. Current plans call for 12 of the fighters to deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from Langley Air Force Base, Va., and another 12 to deploy to Andersen

  • F-22s set for first overseas deployment

    About one dozen F-22 Raptors and more than 250 pilots, mechanics, and other 27th Fighter Squadron Airmen from Langley Air Force Base, Va. will head to Kadena Air Base, Japan, in February to fill the squadron's air and space expeditionary force requirement. "The F-22 Raptor deployment is founded upon

  • F-22's success more than 'skin deep'

    Many are surprised to discover that the largest organ the human body has is the skin. Skin provides a physical barrier against harmful, external factors. The F-22 Raptor, much like the human body, has a layer of skin called low observable. LO not only assists in retaining the jets' stealth

  • F-22s use refueling 'pit stop'

    Just like in NASCAR, a good pit crew can make or break a team. When tankers aren't in the sky to refuel fighters, pilots take advantage of a pit. "Hot pits" are crucial in wartime as it gets the fighters gassed up quickly while both engines are still running, and back into the fight. "It's actually

  • F-22s, B-2s fly together over Pacific Ocean

    Twelve F-22 Raptors departed here recently following a deployment marking the first time F-22 Raptors and B-2 Spirits, the key national strategic stealth assets in the Air Force inventory, deployed together outside the continental United States. The Raptors arrived in January and were joined by the

  • F-35 ‘flies’ above central New York

    Perched atop a pedestal overlooking a rural valley in central New York sits the nation's air warrior of the future.Sophisticated antenna testing is under way on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Newport antenna research and measurement facility.The full-scale F-35

  • F-35 aircrew flight equipment team named Air Force best

    One of the Air Force's newest aircrew flight equipment teams is now the Air Force's best.The 33rd Fighter Wing's aircrew flight equipment flight was chosen the best in the Air Force in the small program category for 2012. The wing is the only unit to fly and train on the F-35A Lightning II fifth

  • F-35 arrival begins new era at weapons school

    A new era began at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School when its first F-35A Lightning II touched-down on the flightline here Jan. 15, flown straight from the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth, Texas.

  • F-35 begins integrated training with F-16 at Luke

    In October, pilots of the 56th Fighter Wing began flying integrated direct support practice sorties in the F-35A Lightning II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon for the first time as a regular component of the training curriculum at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

  • F-35 begins integration phase of weapons testing

    The F-35 Lighting II, Joint Strike Fighter began the integration phase of weapons testing Oct. 26, when the F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing aircraft successfully completed the first in-flight test with an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile. It was the first time a weapon

  • F-35 celebrates 500th sortie as program grows

    The Air Force's premier fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, surpassed its 500th sortie only 16 days after reaching the 400 mark and only 238 days from the beginning of the program.Maj. Matthew Johnston of the 58th Fighter Squadron completed the 500th combined sortie for both the F-35A and F-35B at the

  • F-35 centerpiece for international partnership

    The F-35 Lightning II aircraft brings new capability to the Air Force, but also serves as a centerpiece for international cooperation. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Brig. Gen. Charles R. Davis, deputy program executive

  • F-35 cockpit demonstrator travels to Wright-Patterson

    Aeronautical Systems Center personnel connected with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program are "flying" the jet with the Sept. 8 arrival of the F-35 cockpit demonstrator here. The cockpit demonstrator is a traveling, working mock-up of the advanced jet's cockpit, complete with

  • F-35 complete first European training deployment

    Eight F-35A Lightning IIs from the 34th Fighter Squadron, along with supporting units and equipment from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, completed the first F-35A training deployment to Europe, May 7, 2017.

  • F-35 completes air-start test at Edwards

    The prototype F-35 Joint Strike Fighter AA-1 completed an air-start test validating the aircraft's ability to shut down and restart its engine in flight Oct. 23 here. This ensures the aircraft, which is called the F-35 Lightning II for the Air Force, can regain power and fly safely in the event of

  • F-35 conducts first flight with TR-3

    A developmental test team from the 461st Flight Test Squadron conducted the first flight of an F-35 Lightning II in the Technology Refresh 3 configuration Jan. 6 at Edwards Air Force Base

  • F-35 crashes at Eglin AFB

    The pilot successfully ejected and was transported to the 96th Medical Group Hospital for evaluation and monitoring.

  • F-35 engine fix coming

    Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan, the head of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program office, said by the end of December he expects to have decided on a permanent solution for a design issue that caused an F-35A engine to fail in June at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

  • F-35 environmental impact statement released

    Air Force officials have announced that the final environmental impact statement addressing the beddown of the Joint Strike Fighter and 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) is available for public review. The publication of the notice of availability in the Federal Register begins a 30-day public

  • F-35 fighter takes another step forward

    The Air Force took another step forward with its newest fighter jet when an advanced F-35 Lightning II landed at the service's lead training base, home to the largest fleet of F-35s worldwide.The new stealth fighter kicks off a major training effort at the F-35 schoolhouse on an aircraft with

  • F-35 fires first AIM-9X missile

    An F-35 fighter jet from the 461st Flight Test Squadron launched an AIM-9X missile for the first time over the Pacific Sea Test Range Jan. 12.

  • F-35 fleet temporarily grounded

    A Department of Defense spokesman has announced the temporary grounding of the F-35 fleet based upon a recent runway incident.

  • F-35 is backbone of Air Force's future fighter fleet, Welsh says

    The Air Force's most advanced strike aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, is a vital capability that the nation needs to stay ahead of adversary technological gains, the Air Force chief of staff told a Senate panel here, June 19.Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on

  • F-35 ITF works toward night, weather certification

    The F-35 Integrated Test Force is wrapping up a series of night flights, which are testing the aircraft's capability when flying in instrument meteorological conditions. It is a necessary step in delivering a core competency to the warfighter - the ability to fly the jet safely when there are no

  • F-35 Lightning II costs drop, report shows

    A recent account of F-35 Lightning II aircraft program costs shows decreases, the Air Force’s F-35 program executive officer told reporters in a media roundtable March 24, 2015.

  • F-35 Lightning II JSF testing marks program milestone

    Arnold Engineering Development Center officials just completed aerodynamic testing on two variants of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to support flight testing of the plane later this year. With this latest test, the AEDC staff surpassed 8,000 hours of JSF testing in the center's

  • F-35 Lightning IIs arrive at Nellis AFB

    The F-35 Lightning II is one of the newest aircraft about to enter the Air Force inventory. The F-35 is designed to be an affordable strike option that will be used throughout the Defense Department and by its allies.The jet is currently still being flight tested at Edwards Air Force Base,

  • F-35 maintainers at Hill AFB shaping future with BOLT

    After several months, an innovative program in the 388th Fighter Wing is proving it has the potential to deliver combat power more efficiently and may shape how the Air Force determines future requirements to sustain F-35A Lightning II operations.

  • F-35 maintenance training spawns USMC's first air FTD

    It's no surprise that the military operates in an increasingly joint environment today. With the introduction of the Department of Defense's newest fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightening Bolt Joint Strike Fighter, the joint effort is at the forefront of the aircraft's maintenance training

  • F-35 makes historic appearance at Paris Air Show

    The U.S. made history when two F-35A Lightning IIs arrived at the Paris Air Show to fly the aircraft's first public aerial demonstrations June 19 – 25, 2017. Pulling off a historic event such as this takes months of careful planning and preparation. This team had only 36 days to make it happen.

  • F-35 mission data programmers recognized by AF

    The 53rd Wing’s 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron was awarded the Outstanding Scientist/Engineer Team of 2017 for their work on the F-35A Lightning II Initial Operational Capability delivery at Eglin Air Force Base, Oct. 25, 2017.

  • F-35 on time to deliver global security, Air Force official said

    Work leading up the completion of the multinational F-35 program is largely on track, the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office executive officer said in remarks during the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15.

  • F-35 on time to replace previous tactical aircraft

    The F-35 Lightning II will enhance combat capabilities, project U.S. power and deter potential adversaries, Air Force officials told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s subcommittee on tactical air and land forces in a hearing on tactical aircraft programs there, April 8.

  • F-35 pilots 'measure' up, move closer to training

    Pilots here received measurements for the first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter equipment Feb. 25 to move closer to training in the military's newest fighter aircraft.The new pilot equipment includes everything from underwear to cold-weather outer gear to anti-G garments. RFD Beaufort, the

  • F-35 production a step closer after wind tunnel test

    Arnold Engineering Development Center workers completed the last developmental wind tunnel test in February for all Joint Strike Fighter variants, helping put the F-35 Lightning II a step closer to manufacturing. It was the culmination of more than 8,600 hours and $50 million worth of wind tunnel

  • F-35 production on track, program chief says

    The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program is a different program than it was four years ago, the F-35 program executive officer said here March 12.In a speech at the McAleese/Credit Suisse Defense Programs Conference at the Newseum, Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told attendees that he and

  • F-35 program ‘on right track,’ director says

    Despite its numerous setbacks, the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program is on the right track to meet aircraft delivery deadlines, the program’s executive officer told a House Armed Services Committee panel April 14.

  • F-35 program accelerating, at 'pivot point,' program chief tells Congress

    The program executive officer of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program said the rapidly changing, growing and accelerating program is at a "pivot point" as officials address a number of challenges. The F-35 program, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter program, is of vital importance to U.S.

  • F-35 program chief cites steady progress

    Citing changes to one of the Defense Department’s most ambitious acquisition programs, F-35 Lightning II development is making steady progress, the F-35 Joint Program Executive Officer said here Sept. 17. Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told military and industry experts at the Air Force

  • F-35 program moving forward, addressing challenges

    The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Program is moving forward while addressing various challenges, the program's executive officer said Feb. 10. He detailed a number of challenges in the program, including incorporating fixes to address the current flight restrictions on lightweight pilots.

  • F-35 reaches critical juncture after strong year, official says

    The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program -- the centerpiece of future tactical aviation and a key to implementing new military strategic guidance -- made strong progress in its development last year, a defense official said today.Frank Kendall, the acting undersecretary of defense for

  • F-35 returns to limited flight, officials rule out Farnborough

    While the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter has returned to limited flying, it will not be appearing at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said during a Pentagon news conference July 15.