Air Force F-35As will make their debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough Air Show in July, the service announced today. F-35As from Luke AFB, Ariz., will join Marine Corps F-35Bs in both static displays and a heritage flight at the shows. “We’re very excited about demonstrating this capability to the world,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh said in a statement. “The F-35 represents a new way of thinking about data integration, weapons, and tactics. We’re thrilled to highlight the program and the amazing airmen who support this cutting-edge fighter.” The F-35A and F-35B appearances were announced separately on Jan. 26, with the Air Force announcing its involvement after the RIAT put out a news release announcing the F-35B’s appearance. “The plan for F-35 aircraft to take part in air shows here in the UK this summer is a significant milestone for our RAF and Royal Navy personnel training hard to fly the F-35; for British industry who are contributing an impressive 15 percent of every aircraft; and for the British public who will have their first opportunity to see this remarkable aircraft in action,” said British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon in the release.
Anduril and General Atomics will develop their Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the Air Force, beating out Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, the service announced on April 24. But any of the non-selected companies can compete to actually manufacture the eventual design, the Air Force said.