JSF Fuel Tests Rev Up: Lockheed Martin has begun testing of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s fuel system components, recently completing a “leak-free” fuel system checkout. Engineers and testers finished an extensive fuel system checkout on the first JSF and started a series of structural tests March 24. Company officials say that fuel leaks are typical for high performance fighter aircraft and believe the recent tests provide an “early indication the F-35 is a solid design.”
The KC-Z4, a blended wing body tanker concept being developed by startup JetZero, could fuel larger groups of aircraft at longer range to hold more targets at risk, company officials say.