Maj. Robert Miller, a test pilot assigned to Edwards AFB, Calif., became the 100th pilot to fly the F-35 strike fighter after going through training at the F-35 schoolhouse at Eglin AFB, Fla., announced F-35 prime contractor Lockheed Martin. “The jet handles well and is very easy to fly. I’m looking forward to testing the combat capabilities of the F-35 over the next few years at Edwards,” said Miller in the company’s July 11 release. Miller is an 11-year airman with more than 1,300 flight hours in the F-16, according to the release. “[Miller’s flight] is significant because it shows the program is maturing rapidly and highlights the successful implementation of a world-class training program and development of the F-35 Lightning II for the combat air forces,” said Col. Todd Canterbury, commander of Eglin’s 33rd Fighter Wing.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
