T
he F-35 Lightning II completed its first self-powered ground taxi test on Dec. 7 and is on its way to a last series of tests before first flight, per a statement from prime contractor Lockheed Martin. Lockheed spokesman John Smith would not hazard a guess as to the actual date of the first flight, but it is slated for this month. Next up are medium-speed taxi tests, traveling at from 75 to 92 mph; this first taxi only reached about 35 mph.
In the wake of an intense storm, Alaska Air National Guard Airmen evacuated more than 500 residents by C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft this week as heavy storm surges flooded villages in the region.
