The F-35 schoolhouse at Eglin AFB, Fla., recently launched its first formal F-35 maintenance course. “This is hugely significant for all services because we are getting our maintainers prepped for when we are fully stood up for F-35 training in the near future,” said Col. Andrew Toth commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing that oversees the schoolhouse’s joint F-35 training. Comprised of seasoned aircraftsmen cross-training from other platforms, the first class will form the future cadre to train students once pipeline courses begin. “Up until this point, we’ve been conducting small group tryouts . . . to verify the [F-35 maintenance] system is meeting the requirements needed,” explained schoolhouse superintendent SMSgt. Richard Brown. Pipeline maintenance courses at the F-35 Academic Training Center at Eglin are slated to begin in 2014. Eglin’s pilot syllabus is still in validation. (Eglin report by Maj. Karen Roganov)
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.