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 Pentagon is considering ditching the Air Force’s plan to buy the E-7 Wedgetail as it looks to outsource the airborne target-tracking mission to space, defense officials indicated this week.