The F-35A Lightning II will make its Air Force heritage flight debut next year, flying airshows in formation with aircraft such as its WWII namesake, the P-38 Lightning. “These flights will allow all Americans to learn more about the F-35 and at the same time see just how far airpower has come over the years,” 56th Fighter Wing Commander Brig. Gen Scott Pleus said in a release. An F-35 from the 56th FW at Luke AFB, Ariz., is slated to train alongside civilian pilots flying WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War-era aircraft at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., ahead of the 2016 airshow season. Air Combat Command’s heritage flight already features aircraft including the A-10, F-16, and F-22 flying alongside vintage aircraft such as the A-1 Skyraider, P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, and F-86 Sabre. The Lightning II will fly its first heritage formation at Luke’s 25th anniversary airshow in early April. (Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation homepage)
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.