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| Science & Technology |
| First F-35 Bases Named... |
| 2006-10-06 |
| These will be my old friends at the 20 FW at Shaw, with the 55th FS getting the first planes. They had a full-size F-35 mockuup at the base last year, and it was surprising how big the Lightning is - definitely a bit larger than an F-16. (Washington) October 4, 2006 - US Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) said Wednesday that Shaw Air Force Base and McEntire Air National Guard Base will be getting the Air Force's newest fighter. The F-35A Lightning II is also known as the 'Joint Strike Fighter.' In a news release, Spratt said the Air Force is planning to announce on Thursday that it will begin the initial basing process for the fighter at seven bases, including Shaw and McEntire. Spratt also said that Shaw/McEntire will gain an active operational squadron. According to Spratt, the other initial 'Joint Strike Fighter' locations include Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, for primary maintenance and flight training; Nellis AFB, Nevada, and Edwards AFB, California, for flight-testing; and Hill AFB, Utah, and Kadena Air Base, Japan, for operational squadrons. Spratt said the Air Force is expected to start taking delivery of F-35A aircraft in 2009 with planned deliveries continuing beyond 2025. |
| Posted by:Mike Kozlowski |
| #3 How about more rounds for the gatling guns? IIRC, one of the objections about the F-4 was its lack of ammo for in-close dogfighting. Yes, I know, the idea is to avoid that, but 180 rounds? Seems inadequate. |
| Posted by: no mo uro 2006-10-06 20:04 |
| #2 Thanks for that link mjh; i particularly like the phantom ( not a pun) cutaway showing the 'general weapons layout.' Finally an aircraft that doesn't have more drop tanks than ordnance (think Lawn Dart). |
| Posted by: USN, ret. 2006-10-06 15:48 |
| #1 For those interested, here is a size comparison b/t the F-16, F-35 and F-22. |
| Posted by: mjh 2006-10-06 14:43 |