The
first two F-35A strike fighters assigned to Nellis AFB, Nev., arrived this week at the desert base, announced Nellis officials. The airplanes, which will serve as developmental and operational test assets, touched down at Nellis on March 6, according to a base release. They will fly with the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, which will be the first unit to conduct F-35 operational testing, Nellis officials have said. Nellis’ F-35A test force is scheduled to grow 12 aircraft, and the base’s Fighter Weapons School is slated to build up to a fleet of 24 F-35As. (Nellis photo caption by A1C Jason Couillard) (See also Thirty-six F-35s for Nellis.)
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. has flown a second YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, stepping up the pace of testing for the new uncrewed fighter escort. The company also announced “Gambit 6,” a fresh variant in its CCA family meant for air-to-ground missions.


