Lockheed Martin has named Al Norman as its new chief test pilot for the F-35 strike fighter program. Norman, a veteran experimental test pilot for the company, replaces Jon Beesley, who retired Jan. 31. “I feel very honored and privileged to be named the F-35 chief test pilot,” said Norman in Lockheed’s release. He added, “This is a very fast-paced and challenging time for the F-35 program. I am thrilled and humbled to be working with such a tremendously talented team that spans industry and government across the world.” Norman joined Lockheed in 1999 after 23 years as an Air Force fighter pilot and test pilot. He first flew for the company on the F-22 program at Edwards AFB, Calif., as part of Edwards’ Combined Test Force. He has more than 6,000 flying hours and is also Lockheed’s chief pilot for the T-50 program.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.