- A 27-PAGE CELEBRATION F 35OF LOCKHEED MARTIN’S SPECIAL LIGHTNING II JET

“Fighting in the F-35 is like going into a boxing match and your opponent doesn’t even know you’re in the ring yet!” F-35 pilot Scott ‘Mox’ Williams, RAF “More like a Tesla” Czech Air Force USAF pilot compares F-35 NATO ally safeguarding and F-16 technologies the West’s Russian fl ank

Offi cially the world’s number-one authority on military aviation F  SPECIAL ISSUE Ultimate  PAGES OF ANALYSIS & INSIGHT Weapon What makes the F-35 Lightning II so formidable? • Unmatched situational awareness • Nuclear-ready weapons bay Cheap & deadly • State-of-the-art networking AMX A-1 • Global interoperability fi ghter • Electronic warfare • Invisible to radar £4.99 UK Special Forces’ air transport Issue 390 September 2020

RNLAF 298 CHINOOK LEONARDO’S PORTUGAL’S TOP VERSATILE SQN’S 75TH BIRTHDAY BIG UK PLANS TRAINING SQN A330 PHÉNIX F-35 SPECIAL F-35 Gallery

Thrust vectoring to land This rear view of Royal Air Force F-35B ZM140 ‘006’ provides a good view of the three-bearing swivel duct nozzle of the short take-o and vertical landing (STOVL) variant. For conventional flight, the nozzle allows thrust from the P&W F135 engine to be vectored directly aft, but can be angled downwards for STOVL operations. Paul Easton Arming the F-35

Ground crew prepare to load a GBU-12 laser-guided bomb into the weapons bay of a US Air Force F-35A operated by the ’s 34th Fighter Squadron ‘Rude Rams’ at , . In addition to carriage in the internal weapons bay, ordnance can also be carried externally on the wings when operating in an environment where a stealth capability is not necessary. Jim ‘Hazy’ Haseltine

26 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero Pre-flight checks The pilot standing next to this F-35 as he carries out pre-flight checks on the aircraft lends scale and emphasises the large size of the type’s exhaust nozzle. Despite increasing the infra-red signature of the aircraft, the nozzle is left exposed to facilitate its downward rotation in the STOVL F-35B variant. The nozzle also provides yaw control during hover and transition to the hover. Jim ‘Hazy’ Haseltine

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Information warrior

ast December two United that makes the Lightning II The Raptor, however, while post receive the ICBS data on States Air Force F-35A (renamed ‘Adir’ in ) special. having many of the capabilities screen giving them a complete L Lightning II flew high over All three types of the F-35 (see of the F-35, was not designed picture of their surroundings. the US Department of Defence’s ‘Lockheed Martin F-35A/B/C to the same degree with multi- The F-35 data helped the soldiers White Sands Missile Range in Lightning II/Adir’ panel) can fly domain networking in mind. identify the incoming cruise New Mexico. Below them, two supersonically and supercruise, In the missile defence exercise missile surrogates and launch surrogate cruise missiles had been both capabilities seen decades last December, that F-35A sensor two Patriot Advanced Capability launched. The missiles’ target was before on fast jets. These F-35s data was sent to the army’s (PAC)-2 interceptor missiles. The a tactical command post operated are difficult for radar to detect Integrated Air and Missile Defence sensor data from the F-35 and by a US Army air and missile and keep track of with a low (IAMD) Battle Command System other assets feeding the IBCS also defence unit. These surrogate observable design, materials and (IBCS), developed by Northrop provided in-flight updates as the cruise missiles are able to mimic radar-absorbing coatings. But Grumman. The F-35A used its interceptor missiles converged real cruise missiles and follow it is not the first. The Lockheed Multifunction Advanced Data on their targets and ultimately the terrain to hide from radar Martin F-117 Knighthawk and the Link (MADL) to connect with the destroyed them. “Information is and other ground-based sensors, Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor IBCS. Available ground sensors, ammunition, and IBCS is providing but that would not help them. are both stealthy and they both including the Raytheon Patriot soldiers with more,” said Northrop The F-35A’s sensors detected have internal weapons bays, weapon system and US Marine Grumman IBCS programme the two surrogate missiles and like the F-35. The Knighthawk Corps TPS-59 radars could also director, Mark Rist in the its information was shared with was retired in 2008 and the feed their information into company’s announcement about the army’s missile defence unit. F-22 achieved initial operational the IBCS. The air defence unit the test’s result. “It was the first It is this networking capability capability in December 2005. soldiers at the tactical command [development test] including joint

28 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is the most connected fighter ever. It provides Information warriormore data to the pilot, other aircraft and ground assets, for executing the fight, than any other aircraft in history.

operations with the Air Force F-35 based assets to defeat an enemy. networking capabilities are used networks, the origin of the name and Marine Corps radar systems.” The F-35 is operated by a number “is classified”, NATO said. ‘Internet’, in the military sphere In Lockheed Martin’s statement of NATO member states and the “It’s about information, it’s is now well understood. It is on the test, the company’s vice alliance describes the aircraft about data, it’s about analysing called network-centric warfare president and general manager as a “force multiplier”, which and acting on it faster than an and the F-35’s capabilities are of the F-35 programme, Greg requires, “a realignment of tactics, adversary can react,” the then designed for it. In late 1993, when Ulmer, said: “This test validated techniques and procedures for USAF chief of staff Gen David the DoD’s Joint Advanced Strike the F-35’s capability to serve as Allied Air Command as NATO is Goldfein told his RAF guests in Technology (JAST) programme an airborne sensor and extend establishing principles for modern Washington, DC in October last began, the cyberspace domain the range of critical integrated air aircraft integration,” NATO said. year. The Royal Air Force (RAF) is a was simply the World Wide Web, and missile defence interceptors.” participant in the F-35 programme which few people used. That JAST Ulmer added that the F-35’s The alliance and its personnel were attending programme became the Joint sensors and connectivity enable it The alliance explained that an annual USAF/RAF meeting, Strike Fighter (JSF) programme to share critical information with with the enhanced situational which included RAF ACM Mike in 1995 and its fighter would be the, “joint fighting force to lead awareness and integration Wigston. At the meeting, held called the F-35 (see ‘F-35 Joint the multi-domain battlespace”. capabilities of platforms, such at Georgetown University, Strike Fighter programme’ panel). Multi-domain is the key phrase. as the F-35, air power, “will Goldfein also explained that to The F-35 can network from The F-35 is able to operate in one be characterised by collective win requires data, networks and anywhere, as it is the first domain, the air domain, and use operation and interoperability the linking of allies’ systems. fighter to possess a satellite the space and cyberspace domains of existing and modern aircraft”. The importance of information communications capability, it to link with ground and sea- Information on how the F-35 technology and interconnected can send and receive information

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Pilot’s world view While the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II can share information across domains, it shares its key data with its pilot through the Gen III helmet mounted display system (HMDS). The display system has to be precisely matched to the pilot’s own vision and so the Gen III helmet is custom fitted. Every pilot will have their head scanned for precise measurements from which a liner is produced. The helmet also has active noise reduction. The Gen III display gives pilots their information through its 40 x 30° field-of-view, high-brightness and high-resolution display with integrated digital night vision. The visor display can show picture-in-picture and it is compatible with eyeglasses and laser eye protection devices. When the F-35 pilot looks straight ahead they will see the typical heads-up display data in front of their eyes. Where other pilots using night-vision have to look through the soda straws of night vision goggle lenses, the F-35’s night imaging is projected onto the visor. This imaging is created by the computer with data from the distributed aperture system’s infra-red cameras. As such, the pilot can look through the bottom of his aircraft and see the terrain below as if his fighter was invisible. In August 2015, Rockwell Collins ESA Enhanced Vision Systems delivered the first Gen III helmet. Collins ESA Enhanced Vision Systems is a joint venture between Elbit Systems of America and Collins Aerospace.

Previous page: The 34th Fighter Squadron’s flagship aircraft releases a GBU-12 LGB over the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) in Central Utah. The 34th FS is the USAF’s first Operational F-35A Squadron. Jim ‘Hazy’ Haseltine

Above: An instructor pilot from the 61st Fighter Squadron performs pre-flight checks on his aircraft prior to a training mission. Jim ‘Hazy’ Haseltine

Left: A pilot from the 58th Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida goes through pre-flight checks in the cockpit of his F-35A. Jim ‘Hazy’ Haseltine within the space domain. This friend or foe, precision platforms in other domains have electronic attack capabilities, satellite connectivity works with navigation, and various voice comes from its sensor suite; the including false targets, network the aircraft’s other data links, and data communications. active electronically scanned attack, advanced jamming and allowing the F-35 to share data These technologies, the F-35 array (AESA) radar, electro-optical algorithm-packed data streams. with other strike aircraft as well JSF programme states, mean targeting system (EOTS) and These electronic warfare as other airborne, surface and the Lightning II can serve as distributed aperture system (DAS). capabilities enable the F-35 to ground-based platforms. One a communications gateway locate and track enemy forces, of the datalinks at the heart of for other platforms. Next-generation radar detect radar emitter locations this capability is MADL, a high- For communication with other The F-35’s radar is the AESA more easily and jam radio data-rate communications aircraft the Lightning II uses Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81, frequencies and suppress enemy link between F-35 aircraft the Link 16 data link, the single which the company calls, “multi- radars. The F-35 has 10 times the and other military assets. channel ground and airborne mission”. The Lockheed Martin effective radiated radar power MADL is a key capability provided radio system and secure ultra- F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon of any legacy fighter, according by Northrop’s communications, high, very high and high frequency uses the Northrop Grumman to the F-35 programme. The navigation and identification radios. NATO said: “National air AN/APG-80, and in 2004 the programme also states that, (CNI) avionics. The CNI, according forces will benefit from a higher Raptor was using the fourth- “research indicates that adding to the F-35 JSF programme, is quality of data provided by generation variant of the AN/ more F-35s in a high-threat the most advanced integrated the F-35, compared to current APG-77 AESA radar. The AN/APG- environment is far more effective avionics system ever engineered. platforms. NATO will also 77 adopted elements of the AN/ than adding more single-mission, Developed by Northrop Grumman, draw on these benefits as the APG-80 and the 81 to improve electronic attack support aircraft”. the CNI provides F-35 pilots F-35s become more and more it. The F-35’s multi-function AN/ The F-35’s electronic warfare with the capability of more than integrated into NATO air power APG-81 radar can engage air and capabilities use the BAE Systems’ 27 avionics functions. These operations.” The information ground targets at long range. AN/ASQ-239 system. It provides functions include identification the F-35 can share with other The F-35’s AESA radars also fully integrated radar warning,

30 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero targeting support and self- using an eye-safe laser. EOTS is F-35 to locate a target for units, over the test range. Maj William protection, to detect and defeat linked to the aircraft’s computer such as the artillery. In 2017, O’Neil, a fire support officer for surface and airborne threats. by a fibre-optic interface. USMC Lockheed Martin F-35B the armoured division said in the BAE says that the AN/ASQ-239’s Provided by Northrop Grumman, Lightning II aircraft were involved DoD statement: “We are working avionics and sensors provide a, the AN/AAQ-37 DAS is also an in the Dawn Blitz exercise to with the air force and we are “real-time, 360-degree view of the IR electro-optical technology. direct rocket fire for the first testing the ability of the US Army’s battlespace, maximizing detection DAS uses six polycrystalline time. According to a US Defence field artillery to receive messages ranges and giving pilots evasion, silicon, low-observable, infrared department article about Dawn from an F-35… for possible fire engagement, countermeasure, transparent windows for the Blitz, the exercise saw an F-35B missions.” He added that, while and jamming options”. IR sensors situated around the co-operate with a ship-based they were using artillery on that While the AESA radar can detect aircraft to provide a 360-degree high-mobility artillery rocket occasion, “the goal is how we threats and targets over the view around the aircraft. This system that struck at a target integrate a [Raytheon] Tomahawk horizon, the internally mounted 360-degree view is stitched about 43 miles (70km) away. cruise missile and other missile EOTS can detect long-range air- together by the aircraft’s During the exercise, the F-35B units at the division level into to-air threats and enable precision computer to provide a picture also provided electronic warfare, joint fires,” by which he means targeting against ground targets. anywhere the pilot looks. DAS aerial reconnaissance, anti-air co-operatively attacking a target. Located behind the durable can detect missiles’ launch and warfare and offensive air support. sapphire windows that can be ascent, aircraft and ground Last year, in November, the USAF Project Riot seen on the underside of the targets, anything with a heat and the 1st Armored Division In September last year, Lockheed F-35’s nose, EOTS’ electro-optical signature. DAS can also create Artillery trained together in Dona Martin announced that an F-35 technology uses short-wave a night vision like image (see Ana, New Mexico as part of the had detected a long-range missile infrared (IR). It can search for and ‘Pilot’s world view’ panel). F-35 programme’s joint strike launch and shared the information track IR targets and mark those All these sensors and networking fighter integration testing. A USAF through a Lockheed Martin U-2 targets for a missile to find them capabilities are allowing the F-35A flew just below 30,000ft Dragon Lady to an air defence

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Above: A beautiful shot at twilight as an F-35 goes into full afterburner. Jim ‘Hazy’ Haseltine

Below: A pilot performs a pre-flight check on the Electro-Optical Target System or EOTS. This targeting system is similar to the Sniper Targeting that the legacy USAF aircraft use in a podded system. The F-35 carries it internally. Jim ‘Hazy’ Haseltine

commander on the ground. The exercise was the latest in a series of demonstrations to prove the F-35’s multi-domain networking capabilities. Networking demonstrations go back to 2013 and Project Missouri; the 2019 exercise had been called Project Riot. “The initial [2013] tests were focused on connectivity between platforms,” said Lockheed Martin Aeronautics F-35 development vice president, Jim McClendon. 2019’s Project Riot involved Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, the US government’s Missile Defence Agency and the USAF to securely distribute the sensitive missile launch information across multiple platforms to a “multi- domain ground station”, as Lockheed described it. McClendon explained: “The focus of the more recent (Project Riot) tests was on interoperability and integrating F-35 information into off-board C4ISR [Command, Control,

32 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero “The focus of the more recent (Project Riot) tests was on interoperability and integrating F-35 information into off-board C4ISR [Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance] systems.”

Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance] systems.” Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II According to Lockheed Martin, this level of connectivity reduces Knowing your ABCs apart the “data-to-decision timeline The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme has three versions of the aircraft, the A, B and C. Israel’s Adir is the from minutes to seconds”, to A version. The F-35A is the conventional take-off version. The F-35B is the short take-off and vertical landing allow combat commanders version that operates from airfields and amphibious ships. The F-35C carrier variant is the version specifically to make quick decisions. for aircraft carrier operations. The defence firm refers to open systems architectures and F-35 Variants distributed, system-of-systems architecture – it is within these F-35A (incl Adir) F-35B STOVL F-35C Carrier that the networked F-35 operates. Length 51.4ft (15.7m) 51.2ft (15.6m) 51.5ft (15.7m) The US military and its contractors Speed Mach 1.6 Mach 1.6 Mach 1.6 also see such architectures as the Wingspan 35ft (10.7m) 35ft (10.7m) 43ft (13.1m) method to rapidly field increases in Wing area 460sq ft (42.7m2) 460sq ft (42.7m2) 668sq ft (62.1m2) capability. Project Missouri in 2013 linked Raptors with the F-35. In Combat radius >590nm (1,093km) >450nm (833km) >600nm (1,100km) 2015, Project Iguana linked an F-35 Range (internal fuel) >1,200nm (2,200km) >900nm (1,667km) >1,200nm (2,200km) to F-16s and a U2, fifth- to fourth- Max G-rating 9 7 7.5 generation platforms. Project Weapons payload 18,000lb (8,278kg) 15,000lb (6,800kg) 18,000lb (8,160kg) Hunter in 2017 connected the Propulsion F135-PW-100 F135-PW-600 F135-PW-100 same aircraft and a satellite. That Thrust (With afterburner) 40,000lb 38,000lb 40,000lb project demonstrated collaborative 40,500lb vertical weapon retargeting and covert assured communication. Thrust (No afterburner) 25,000lb 26,000lb 25,000lb

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A two-ship of F-35’s, out of Luke AFB, fly a training mission at sunset over Central Arizona. Jim ‘Hazy’ Haseltine

Project Riot showed how to connectivity to satellites and office will transform the NGAD there were, “873 unresolved leverage F-35 sensor information other aircraft are capabilities programme into the Air Force’s deficiencies”. It stated that 13 of for missile defence and that a, that will find their way onto Digital Century Series initiative. these are classified as “Category “multi-domain network of legacy other platforms. The Boeing This initiative is about using all- one ‘must-fix’ items that affect and fifth generation systems,” F-15EX is an evolution of the digital design and manufacturing safety or combat capability”. could be realised. In a similar Boeing F-15 Eagle and it will technologies to realise the NGAD To whatever degree the exercise held this year, an F-35 be a connected aircraft. Boeing platform and its capabilities. networking capabilities of the F-35 received data from a U-2 acting states that the F-15EX will be The PEO will also be responsible actually work, it is still the most as an airborne relay. This was able to: “operate independently for the Republic Fairchild A-10 connected fighter ever and able part of an Orange Flag Evaluation when isolated and reconnect Thunderbolt II, Boeing F-15 Eagle, to provide its pilot with greater exercise involving the army with the global cloud when Lockheed Martin F-16 Viper, situational awareness than any and air force near Edwards Air conditions permit”. The USAF’s Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, and other – who else can literally Force Base. The F-35 also sent Next Generation Air Dominance the in-development, artificially look through their aircraft at its intelligence, surveillance and (NGAD) fighter programme intelligent, Skyborg drone. their surroundings? The JSF is a reconnaissance data to an IBCS. envisaged a networked platform There will be plenty of lessons turning point in fighter capability, It was another example of how and NGAD concepts also use to learn from F-35 for whatever its pilots use an American the F-35 could support all-domain directed energy weapons. The comes next, NGAD or any other football term to describe it, the joint operations, which means navy has also referred to its acronym. The US Congress’ quarterback; the leader of the ground, air, sea and space assets future fast jet platform as NGAD. Congressional Research Service offensive team. Now a fighter is co-operate and use cyberspace as Last year, on October 2, the May 2020 JSF programme report the leader of a team beyond the a method for sharing information. USAF stood-up the Programme states that as the operational standard four-aircraft formation, The F-35’s substantial sensor Executive Office (PEO) for test and evaluation phase it can lead the army, navy and suite with broad bandwidth Advanced Aircraft. This new on December 3, 2018 began other aircraft in the fight to win. AFM A short history of the F-35 JSF programme The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has allowed the aircraft to be Marine Corps (USMC) and UK chosen to compete in a fly-off programme is the Department submitted as a candidate for its participation in JAST. The USMC demonstration. Pratt & Whitney of Defence’s (DoD) largest future fighter capability project. and the UK wanted a new STOVL would provide propulsion procurement programme Countries that are not members aircraft to replace their respective hardware and engineering support. according to the ’ of the F-35 programme, but are McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier The DoD selected Lockheed as the government’s Congressional buying the fighter are: Israel, II, Hawker Siddeley Harrier and winner in October 2001. Pratt & Research Service (CRS). The Japan, Republic of Korea and British Aerospace Sea Harrier. Whitney also received a contract Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II . The CRS report states With the STOVL element added, for the aircraft’s engine. General is a strike fighter being procured that allies of the US are expected the JAST programme name was Electric had worked with Rolls- in different versions for the to purchase hundreds more F-35s. changed to Joint Strike Fighter; Royce on an alternate engine, , Navy and The JSF was formed in 1995 joint in terms of the next- but it was not selected. The first its Marine Corps. In its May 27, from the Joint Advanced Strike generation fighter’s development flights of the F-35A and the F-35B 2020 report on the programme, Technology (JAST) programme, and production. Airframe designs occurred in 2006 and 2008, the CRS states that the DoD which began in late 1993. In 1995, were proposed by Boeing, respectively. The first flight of an plans to acquire 2,456 F-35s. in response to direction from the Lockheed and McDonnell Douglas, improved version of the F-35A The programme’s participating US Congress, a Defence Advanced who teamed with Northrop occurred on November 14, 2009. member states are UK, , Research Projects Agency project Grumman and British Aerospace; The F-35C first flew on June 6, , , Australia, to develop a short take-off and as BAE Systems was known then. 2010. The F-35B’s hover capability and Canada, but that vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft On November 16, 1996, the was first demonstrated on March country has yet to decide to was incorporated into JAST. DoD announced that Boeing 17, 2010 and the first vertical purchase any F-35s. Canada This opened the way for US and Lockheed Martin had been landing took place the next day.

34 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero Lightning speed weapons The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, as its name suggests, could one day have directed energy An F-35A of the 58th Fighter Squadron is loaded with weapons in its internal weapons and its complement of munitions is weapons bays and on external pylons, at . already expanding to nuclear. Senior Airman Stormy Archer

Lockheed Martin February 24, 2016, for the United . It was the first combat attack Department of Defense’s 2019 F-35A Lightning II has States House of Representatives by the F-35A, dropping JDAMs Missile Defence Review. It stated A dropped an inert B61- was told about the prospects from their internal weapons bays that the F-35: “in the future, 12 nuclear gravity bomb over a for lasers on fighters. That same – the bay’s capacity is 5700lbs can be equipped with a new or test range; a munition that in year, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (2585kg) of ordnance. The modified interceptor capable 2017 was seen to be dropped (JSF) programme completed Lightning II can drop the B61-12 of shooting down adversary by a Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle. a lot of conventional weapon from its internal weapons bay. ballistic missiles in their boost Photos of the F-35 dropping testing. By the end of August But this 5700lbs is only a fraction phase.” The boost phase is after the nuclear bomb appeared on 2016, 12 weapons accuracy and of what the JSF can deliver. The it launches and it is climbing the United States Department 13 release tests were completed. external payload, attached to through the atmosphere. of Defence’s multimedia Similaruch tests continued wing and fuselage hard points, Beyond missile defence, the website in June without any during this period which was can be up to 16,300lbs. evolution of the F-35’s weapon accompanying statement and part of the system development systems is expected to include were then removed. The DoD and demonstration (SDD) phase. External weapons directed energy, a term which was unable to comment on The SDD phase, which ended With that larger external payload includes lasers. Initially, however, why this happened. The sudden in April 2018 included the Block an entirely different role can be it is more likely to be for defence release of the nuclear bomb 3F software upgrade allowing envisaged, one which would need rather than attacking missiles pictures is a reminder that the precision-guided munition use. an externally-mounted munition. or other fighters. During that Lightning II is expected to have A year later, in April 2019, two That role is missile defence. The 2016 emerging threats and more advanced weaponry, and US Air Force F-35As dropped joint F-35 could be used to destroy capabilities hearing the then one day that may include lasers. direct attack munitions (JDAM) an intercontinental ballistic USAF deputy assistant secretary An emerging threats and for US Central Command on an missile (ICBM) during the ICBM’s for science, technology and capabilities hearing, held on Islamic State target in Wadi Ashai, boost phase, according to the US engineering, David Walker said that he expected: “a medium- powered laser, 30-kilowatt-class laser [to be put] into a pod on a [and] provide self-protection with the goal to grow the power as the devices grow in power.” That growth in power would ultimately make the laser an offensive weapon. In his testimony, Walker also referred to the Shield Advanced Technology demonstration project. Shield is an Air Force Research Laboratory laser effort which has the support of and Air Force Special Operations The final SDD Test flight CF-2 Flt 596 was piloted by BAE Test pilot Peter Command. Shield was to develop Wilson, on April 11, 2018, from the a “compact, medium-power F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force. laser” for a fighter-compatible The F-35C completed a mission to pod and show it could knock collect loads data while carrying external 2,000lb GBU-31 Joint Direct out ground-to-air and air-to- Attack Munitions (JDAM) and AIM- air missiles. Both commands 9X Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles. have wanted to see lasers built Lockheed Martin into aircraft in the future. AFM

www.Key.Aero F-35 SPECIAL // 35 F-35 SPECIAL No Turkish Turkey was to order 100 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs, but its purchase of a Russian surface-to-air missile system has shot down its participation in the F-35 Joint Strike delight Fighter programme.

Turkey’s first production Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II, tail number 18-0001, in flight on 18 May 2018. US DoD

n July 29, the Turkish its first F-35 aircraft, tail number kicked out of the world’s most Defence Industries (SSB), the minister of defence 18-0001, in a ceremony at advanced fighter programme and national defence and security O stated defiantly via the Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, lost $9bn; a figure given by the procurement agency which is department’s Twitter account, Texas. Assigned to Luke Air Force US DoD for Turkey’s potential part of the Ministry of National that Turkey was involved with Base in Arizona for use in pilot future earnings from the F-35 Defence (MoD). Its Department of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) training, those activities were parts it would have supplied, and Aircraft, specifically, ran Turkey’s programme as a partner, not a to continue this year in Turkey repeated by the Presidency of the F-35 effort. At the time of going customer. “The security of the after the planned November 2019 Republic of Turkey (the office of to press, the Turkish MoD was F-35 programme is also important arrival of the first F-35 in the the nation’s president) on July 18 not available to provide answers to Turkey,” he added. “We are country. To date, no F-35 has ever last year. What is the significance about the F-35 programme technically ready to address reached Turkey. The DoD justified of this Russian surface-to- or the S-400 SAM system. all concerns on the US side its July 20 contract change stating air missile (SAM) system? The S-400 is said by regarding S-400 [Russian surface- that US legislation, National The US$2.5bn Almaz-Antey Air Rosoboronexport to be effective to-air missiles] compliance.” Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) and Space Defence Corporation against electronic warfare The country’s latest statement for fiscal year 2020, gave it the S-400 Triumph SAM system is aircraft, strategic bombers, came after the United States permission to appropriate the designed to defend against long- reconnaissance aircraft, tactical, Department of Defense (DoD) jets at Luke and in production. range and high-altitude aircraft short- and medium-range announced on July 20, that Turkey has been a Joint Strike and ballistic missiles with a launch ballistic missiles and airborne it would buy the few Turkish Fighter programme partner since range of up to 3,500km (2,175 early warning and control Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning the inception of the JSF project miles), according to the Russian systems. The S-400 is supposed IIs already built or in production, in 1999. The Turkish defence Federation government’s export to be able to be integrated into with a modification to its industry was to produce 900 parts agency, Rosoboronexport. The a national air defence system Lockheed Martin contract. for the aircraft. How did it come to Triumph SAM system and the that would incorporate elements More than two years ago, on this, that the Republic of Turkey, F-35 were both being procured and components from various June 30, 2018, Turkey received a NATO member state, has been by Turkey’s Presidency of countries. The export agency

36 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero also states that the S-400 is – the final NDAA bill agreed to versatile, and superior to its by the Senate and the House of “foreign counterparts several Representatives. The bill becomes times over”. The Turkish delivery law when the President signs it. contract for the S-400 Triumph The chair of the House of was signed by Rosoboronexport Representatives’ Committee in Moscow in April 2017. on Armed Services (HASC), The Russian agency has said it Congressman Adam Smith, is the largest ever export contract supports the clause. Speaking in a signed with a NATO member. teleconference with the Defence “Since July 12 [2019], a total of Writers Group on June 30 he 30-plus special flights have been said he thought the SASC clause provided to carry the first batch was “a reasonable solution”. of the package to Turkey. Some of At the time, the Senator for Turkey’s specialists have already South Dakota, John Thune, who received training in Russia,” said is not a SASC member, proposed Rosoboronexport director general, The first Turkish Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II o the production line. that the US government buy Turkey was to have manufactured 900 parts for future F-35s. US DoD Alexander Mikheev. He added that the S-400 system from Turkey. the two countries were negotiating United States to return from this system is incompatible with That proposal was not adopted licensed production in Turkey of mistake that will cause irreparable Turkish procurement of the F-35; into the NDAA. Smith had said specific elements of the S-400. By wounds in our strategic relations.” the S-400 cannot be integrated he supported Thune’s proposal July 25 last year, the first S-400 The US government began to with NATO’s integrated air and but also expressed the view batch was delivered and there draw up a legislative confirmation missile defence command and that Turkey’s President Recep has been a war of words between of the expulsion last year, the control network.” As well as the Tayyip Erdoğan had decided he the US and Turkey ever since. first stage being the NDAA – an F-35 aircraft, the US is also to needs the Russian system. annual bill to authorise defence withhold Raytheon Global Patriot The week that the Senate and Turkey’s expulsion spending. On December 20, Solution missile batteries that House approved their versions of Even before the first batch’s 2019 when the NDAA for fiscal had been earmarked for Turkey. the NDAA, the DoD announced a complete delivery, on July 17, 2019, year 2020 was signed into law On June 11 this year, the SASC modification to its F-35 contract the US government announced by President Donald Trump, published its version of the NDAA with Lockheed Martin on July 20 the end of Turkey’s involvement the Turkish Ministry of Foreign for the next fiscal year, 2021. This and stated: “This modification in the JSF programme. The July Affairs spokesman said: “Turkey will authorise the US Air Force exercises options to procure 17 statement from the White condemns the exploitation of even to appropriate six F-35s built for eight Lot 14 F-35A Lightning II House press secretary said: an ordinary budgeting process for Turkey. One clause said the bill repositioned aircraft as a result of “Unfortunately, Turkey’s decision the sake of the short-term political “authorises the [US] Air Force to the Republic of Turkey’s removal to purchase Russian S-400 air ambitions of US politicians.” utilise, modify, and operate six from the F-35 programme.” The defence systems renders its Two months later, on February Turkish F-35s that were accepted eight are additional to the six continued involvement with the 25, 2020, the United States’ but never delivered because F-35s referenced in the NDAA. F-35 impossible. The F-35 cannot Senate Committee on Armed Turkey was suspended from the John Venable is the Davis coexist with a Russian intelligence Services (SASC) took testimony F-35 programme.” The SASC NDAA Institute for National Security collection platform that will be from General Tod D Wolters, version was approved by the full and Foreign Policy’s senior used to learn about its advanced the US Air Force’s head of its Senate chamber in late July with research fellow for defence capabilities.” The following day, European command. He stated: that clause in place and it was policy. He said he expects the the Presidency of the Republic of “Turkey’s purchase of the Russian- expected to be retained by the NDAA to be passed by the House Turkey stated: “We call upon the produced S-400 air defence reconciliation version of the bill and Senate chambers with the USAF F-35 appropriation clause intact. The DoD contract modification announcement also confirms for him that Turkey is going to lose its F-35s. In its July 18, 2019 statement, the day after Turkey’s expulsion was announced, the Turkish Turkey received its first F-35 aircraft, Presidency said: “Turkey refused tail number 18-0001, in a ceremony at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. to bow to US pressure to cancel US DoD the S-400 agreement with Russia, saying the deal is a matter of national sovereignty and that the agreement was a done deal.” The Turkish MoD’s latest salvo, the July 29 ministerial statement on Twitter, strikes a more conciliatory tone. While Turkey might now be ready to address all concerns on the US side regarding the S-400, the US government has already decided what it is going to do, just as adamantly as President The aircraft was assigned to Luke AFB in Arizona, and designated for pilot training. No F-35 ever made it to Turkey. US DoD Erdoğan has about the S-400. AFM

www.Key.Aero F-35 SPECIAL // 37 F-35 SPECIAL North 01 America Eielson AFB, Alaska 1 F-35A United States 356th FS The US is home to the largest employs 45 carrier variant (CV) NAS Leemore, contingent of in-service F-35 F-35Cs. The USMC has 97 short 2 Lightning IIs and is the type’s take-off and vertical F-35C landing (STOVL) F-35Bs primary customer. As of July VFA-125 “Roughriders” 30, the USAF, USMC and and seven F-35Cs. VFA-147 “Argonauts” US Navy employed a total The USAF accepted its first of 391 examples across the example in 2011, declaring initial Edwards AFB, platform’s three variants operational capability (IOC) on 3 California In December 2018, the the type in August 2016. On April F-35A/B/C US Department of Defence 30, 2019, two F-35As conducted 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron (DoD) published the Selected an airstrike on a tunnel network (TES) “Desert Pirates” Acquisition Report: F-35 used by the so-called Islamic 461st Flight Test Squadron (FLTS) Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter State in Wadi Ashai, Iraq. “Deadly Jesters” No 17 Squadron RAF 02 08 (JSF) Programme as of FY2020 Mounted in support of Operation 323 Squadron RNLAF President’s Budget. This outlined Inherent Resolve, this marked the nation’s plan to procure 1,763 the first combat employment 03 07 MCAS Miramar, F-35As for the USAF, 353 F-35Bs of the USAF’s F-35As. 4 California and 67 F-35Cs for the USMC, In January 2012, the USMC F-35C and 273 F-35Cs for the US Navy. took delivery of its first F-35B. 04 VMFA-314 “Black Knights” The development and The service declared IOC for 05 acquisition of the Lightning the platform on July 31, 2015. MCAS Yuma, Arizona II has been specifically aimed In September 2018, marine 5 F-35B 06 at bringing in a platform with F-35Bs completed their first VMFA-122 “The Flying Leathernecks” next-generation capabilities combat mission: an airstrike VMFA-211 “Wake Island Avengers” to the US military’s legacy in in support of fighter fleets. “There exists Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Luke AFB, Arizona an [ageing] fleet of tactical The decision was made for the 6 F-35A aircraft worldwide. The F-35 USMC to also acquire the F-35C, 61st FS “Top Dogs” is intended to solve that allowing marine units operating 62nd FS “Spike War Dawgs” problem,” the USAF said. the CV to be integrated into the 63rd FS “Panthers” In air force service, the platform navy’s Carrier Air Wings (CVWs). 308th FS “Emerald Knights” – joint is intended to replace its The F-35B will predominately US, Dutch and Danish training unit. older F-16C/D Fighting Falcon be used on land and from Nellis AFB, Nevada and A-10C Thunderbolt II amphibious assault ships. 7 aircraft, but debate continues The US Navy accepted its first F-35A 6th Weapons Squadron (WPS) in the US government over F-35C in August 2013 and declared 422nd TES “Green Bats” the future of the latter. The IOC on the type on February F-35 will succeed the USMC’s 28, 2019. The service has yet to Hill AFB, Utah AV-8B Harrier II and F/A-18C/D employ the aircraft in combat. 8 F-35A Hornet fleets, and replace the The DoD and Lockheed 4th FS “Fightin’ Fuujins” Hornets in use with the navy. Martin continue to evolve 34th FS “Rude Rams” AirForces Intelligence states the Lightning’s capabilities. that, as of July 30, the USAF Although each variant has Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) operates 242 conventional achieved an individual IOC, Iwakuni Japan take-off and landing (CTOL) many of its roles could only be F-35B  Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 F-35As and the US Navy conducted in a ‘limited’ capacity. (VMFA-121) “Green Knights”

38 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero Canada Although Canada has been a mid-level partner in the Joint Strike Fighter programme since 2002, changes in the Canadian government over the last decade have cast doubt over the platform’s acquisition by the country. In May 2008, the Conservative government announced plans to acquire 65 examples of the F-35A to replace its ageing CF-188A/B Hornet fleet. This intention was confirmed in July 2010. However, the signing of an untendered, sole-sourced contract, and controversy over the deal’s price tag, became a major issue in the 2011 federal election. This was won by the Conservative party and the deal was reconfirmed in June 2014. Then the 2015 federal election was won by Justin Trudeau of the Liberal Party of Canada. The party’s manifesto promised not to purchase the F-35 and instead hold an 12 open, transparent competition to replace the CF-18s. In 2019, the government 08 issued a request for proposals for 88 new fighter aircraft. As 11 of July 2020, Boeing’s F/A- 18E/F Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II and Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen are in contention, with the winner scheduled to be announced 10 in 2022, and deliveries commencing from 2025.

Eglin AFB, Florida 9 F-35A/C 09 58th FS “Mighty Gorillas” Strike Fighter Squadron 101 (VFA 101) “Grim Reapers”

MCAS Beaufort, 10 South Carolina F-35B Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501) “Warlords” VMFAT-502 “Flying Nightmares”

Naval Air Station (NAS), 11 Maryland F-35B Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) “Salty Dogs”

Burlington Air National 12 Guard Base (ANGB), F-35A 134th FS “The Green Mountain Boys”

www.Key.Aero F-35 SPECIAL // 39 F-35 SPECIAL Europe On June 9, 2020, the UK’s initial replace its ageing F-16AM/BM 1 UK United Kingdom operational F-35Bs landed on Fighting Falcon fleet. However, F-35B In January 2001, the UK joined HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) for due to rising JSF costs and delays, RAF Marham, Norfolk, UK the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) the first time. The carrier can that number was reduced. It now No 617 Squadron “The Dambusters” programme, becoming the sole accommodate up to 24 examples. intends to procure 67 examples. No 207 Squadron (F-35B Operational Conversion Unit) Level 1 partner on the project. In 2021, the ship will conduct The Netherlands ordered two Edwards AFB, Kern County, southern On September 30, 2002, the its maiden Global Carrier Strike test aircraft in June 2009, and California, USA UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) Group 21 deployment with a the first emerged from Lockheed No 17 Squadron announced that the Royal Air complement of F-35Bs from both Martin’s facility on April 1, 2012. Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy No 617 Squadron and the USMC. Both aircraft were transferred Netherlands Fleet Air Arm (FAA) would to Eglin AFB for testing. 2 F-35A operate the short take-off In November 2013, the Dutch Leeuwarden air base, Friesland, and vertical landing (STOVL)- Norway approved the acquisition of Netherlands capable F-35B. The UK intends In November 2008, the 35 more aircraft. Nine more 322 Squadron Edwards AFB, Kern County, F-35As were then contracted to procure 138 examples. Norwegian government southern California, USA These acquisition plans were announced that it had selected in September 2019. 323 Squadron called into question by the 2010 the F-35A Lightning II to In total, eight F-35As were built Luke AFB, Glendale, Maricopa Strategic Defence and Security replace its Lockheed Martin in Texas, with the remainder County, Arizona, USA Review (SDSR). It announced F-16AM/BM (MLU) Fighting produced in Cameri, Italy. 308th Fighter Squadron (FS) that the UK was instead planning Falcon fleet. The platform was AirForces Intelligence data states “Emerald Knights” – joint US, Dutch and Danish training unit. to procure a smaller number chosen over Saab’s JAS 39 that, by July 30, 2020, 12 aircraft of F-35Cs – the catapult- Gripen Next Generation (NG). had been delivered. The RNLAF’s Norway assisted take-off but arrested Norway plans to acquire 52 first F-35A arrived at Leeuwarden 3 F-35A recovery (CATOBAR) variant. conventional take-off and air base in Friesland on October Ørland air base, Norway However, in May 2012, the landing (CTOL)-configured 31, 2019. Three more have since 322 Squadron coalition government reverted versions by 2025. arrived, the other eight aircraft Testing, Training and Tactics (TTT) to the original acquisition plan, The Royal Norwegian Air Force’s are at Luke AFB for training. Squadron with the first British F-35B (RNoAF’s) first F-35A left the landing at Eglin AFB, Florida, Fort Worth production facility Italy 4 Italy for testing on July 23, 2012. on September 22, 2015. It was Italy is a Level 2 partner in the F-35A No 617 Squadron ‘The transferred to Luke AFB, Arizona, JSF programme and the second- Amendola air base, Foggia, Italy 13° Gruppo (13th Fighter Group) Dambusters’ was reformed as for air and ground crew training. largest contributor after the UK. the UK’s first frontline F-35B unit By August 2017, seven aircraft Italy is seeking 60 F-35As for its on April 18, 2018. The following had been delivered to the RNoAF air force, and 30 F-35Bs to split June, the squadron flew the and were operational in the US. between its airforce and navy. first four aircraft from MCAS AirForces Intelligence data states Its first four F-35As were built in Beaufort, South Carolina, to that the RNoAF operated 22 the US and sent to Luke AFB for RAF Marham in Suffolk, UK. F-35As, with the 23rd and 24th training purposes. The aircraft In RAF service, the Lightning examples making their maiden entered service with the Italian has replaced the Panavia flights at Fort Worth in March Air Force in 2016 and achieved Tornado GR4/GR4A fleet and and April 2020 respectively. IOC on November 30, 2018. STOVL stealth fighter to provide On November 3, 2017, the first Italy produces the F-35 at its the carrier strike capabilities three F-35As arrived at Ørland Cameri facility, home to one of that were lost with the retired air base in central Norway. two Final Assembly & Check Harrier Force in 2010. The platform achieved IOC in Out facilities outside the US. AirForces Intelligence data states November 2019. On March 7, On March 12, 2015, the first that, as of July 30, 2020, the UK 2020, the RNoAF scrambled Italian F-35A from the Cameri operates 18 F-35Bs, of which 15 its F-35As for the first time to facility was completed. Its examples are at RAF Marham intercept Russian military aircraft first flight was on September and three are at Edwards AFB (two Tu-142s and a MiG-31) near 7. It was handed over to the in California. The platform Norwegian airspace. air force in December 2016. received its initial operational AirForces Intelligence data states capability (IOC) on January 10, The Netherlands that, as of July 30, 2020, a dozen 2019, and made its combat debut The Netherlands is a Level 2 F-35As were in operational in support of Operation Shader, partner in the JSF programme. service with the Italian Air Force. conducting reconnaissance of Originally, the Dutch government The first F-35B emerged from enemy targets in Iraq and Syria. planned to acquire 85 F-35As to the Cameri facility in May 2017.

40 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero Denmark In June 2016, the Danish parliament approved the acquisition of 27 F-35A Lightning IIs for US$3bn. The first aircraft was scheduled to be produced under low rate 03 initial production (LRIP) Lot 12 in 2018 and it was seen on the production line in January 2020. Denmark joined the JSF programme in 2002 as a Level 3 partner nation. The F-35A will replace the ’s (RDAF’s) F-16AM/BM (MLU) Fighting Falcon fleet. Despite its final selection of the F-35A, the Danish government did consider other candidates for its F-16 replacement programme, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the JAS 39 Gripen NG. Belgium On January 18, 2018, the US approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) 01 of 34 F-35As to Belgium. 02 In Belgian Air Component service, the F-35A will replace the F-16AM/BM (MLU) Fighting Falcon fleet, which currently stands at 49 aircraft, comprising nine two-seat F-16BMs and 40 single-seat F-16AMs. The Belgian government signed the F-35 procurement contract in April 2020. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2023 and 2030, with the initial aircraft due to be based at Luke AFB for air and ground crew training. Poland On September 10, 2019, the US approved the possible FMS of 32 F-35A Lightning IIs to Poland. This US$4.6bn deal was officially sealed on January 31, 2020, when the head of the Polish Ministry of Defence, Mariusz Błaszczak, signed the F-35A procurement agreement in De˛ blin, Poland. In Polish AF service, the 04 F-35A will replace the nation’s remaining - era Soviet combat aircraft: the Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name: Fulcrum) and Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter fleets. First deliveries of the type are scheduled for 2024, but they will remain in the US for testing, plus air and ground crew training for two years. First examples should arrive in Poland in 2026.

www.Key.Aero F-35 SPECIAL // 41 F-35 SPECIAL Rest of the World originally planned to acquire Singapore of up to 12 F-35B RAAF Base Williamtown in Israel 42 aircraft. The first four Lightning IIs. The potential deal New South Wales, Australia, In October 2010, the Israeli F-35As were assembled in – worth $2.75bn – includes the on December 10 that year. Ministry of Defence (MoD) the US and the remaining 38 delivery of four aircraft with an AirForces Intelligence data signed a letter of offer and examples are being domestically option to procure eight more. states that, as of July 30, acceptance (LOA) for the F-35A, produced in Nagoya, Japan, by It incorporates 13 Pratt 2020, the air arm had taken making it the first international Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. & Whitney F135-PW-600 delivery of 24 F-35As. In RAAF customer to acquire the The four US-built aircraft afterburning turbofan engines, service, the platform will be type through the US Foreign were delivered to Luke Air electronic warfare systems, complemented by the air arm’s Military Sales (FMS) process. Force Base (AFB), Arizona, from F-35 unique flares, spares/ already established fleets of The Israeli government August 2016 to March 2017. repairs, technical data, air Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet currently has 50 aircraft on These initial examples were and groundcrew training fighters and EA-18G Growler order, with at least 25 more used to train JASDF air and and access to the Lightning electronic attack aircraft. planned. Israeli Air Force (IAF) ground crews and arrived at programme’s autonomic examples are designated F-35I on the island logistics global support system ‘Adir’ – which means ‘mighty of Honshu, Japan, in May 2018. (ALGS), autonomic logistics The US approved the possible one’ in Hebrew – but despite their In June 2017, the first information system (ALIS) FMS of 60 F-35A Lightning IIs, unique designation, the platform domestically produced F-35A and reprogramming centre. associated equipment, spares/ itself is based on the F-35A. was rolled out at MHI’s F-35 Final Singapore became a participant repairs and logistical support The service received its Assembly and Check Out (FACO) in the F-35 programme as a to South Korea in March first example in December facility in Nagoya. On March 29, Security Cooperation Participant 2013. The nation selected the 2016, six months after it 2019, the JASDF declared IOC (SCP) in February 2003, with platform for its F-X Phase was unveiled in the US. on the platform with the 302nd the intention of acquiring the III fighter programme in an Arrival of the initial ‘Adirs’ Tactical Fighter Squadron. platform to replace its F-16C/D open, competitive process. made Israel the first country AirForces Intelligence data states Fighting Falcons, which are slated South Korea’s first six aircraft to employ an operational F-35 that, as of July 30, 2020, the air to be retired in the early 2030s. were contracted for production squadron outside the US. The air arm was operating 17 F-35As of under LRIP Lot 10. The first arm declared initial operational the 18 delivered. One aircraft Australia example flew from Fort Worth capability (IOC) on the type in was lost with its pilot off the The procurement of the first 14 on March 19, 2018, followed December 2017, shortly after it coast of Japan in April 2019. F-35A Lightning IIs for the Royal by the second in May. received its ninth example. On July 9, 2020, the US approved Australian Air Force (RAAF) was As with aircraft destined for In May 2018, commander of the the possible FMS of 105 more approved in November 2009. other nations, the initial Republic IAF, Maj Gen Amikam Norkin, Lightnings to Japan. The deal has Production of these aircraft began of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) said that the nation was the an estimated worth of $23.11bn under the US’ Low-Rate Initial F-35As were transferred to Luke first to fly the F-35 in combat and comprises 63 conventional Production (LRIP) Lot 6 order. AFB for use in training South over the Middle East, adding take-off and landing (CTOL) In April 2014, the nation Korean air and groundcrews. that the platform had been used F-35As and 42 F-35B short confirmed the purchase of The first two F-35As arrived in over Syria in confrontations take-off and vertical landing- 58 F-35As for $11.5bn. It has Cheongju air base in Cheongwon- with Iranian-backed forces. configured (STOVL) aircraft. participated in the F-35’s gu on March 29, 2019. AirForces AirForces Intelligence data A number of the latter may be development as a Level 3 partner Intelligence data states that, as of states that, as of July 30, 2020 employed by the Japan Maritime since June 2002 and current July 30, 2020, Lockheed Martin a total of 20 examples had Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). plans state that it will procure had handed over 16 aircraft been handed over to the IAF. Japan is modifying its Izumo- at least 72 F-35As to replace to the RoKAF, some of which class helicopter carriers to be the RAAF’s legacy F/A-18A/B are still located at Luke AFB. Japan able to operate up to 10 F-35Bs. Hornet multirole fighter fleets. In October 2019, the South The F-35A Lightning II was This variant of the Lightning Australia’s first F-35A flew from Korean government announced selected as the Japan Air Self- family will provide Japan with Lockheed Martin’s production that it would acquire an Defence Force’s (JASDF) next- a naval strike capability and facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on additional 20 Lightning IIs generation fighter aircraft on the ability to better protect its September 29, 2014, and was under the second phase of December 19, 2011. It was selected remote island chains. This large followed by the second a month its F-X Phase III programme. following an open, competitive purchase is in part a response later. The aircraft were initially In July 2020, it was reported acquisition programme to replace to the build-up of Chinese flown to Luke AFB to begin RAAF locally that the extra aircraft the ageing McDonnell Douglas military forces in the region. air and groundcrew training. are likely to be F-35Bs. F-4EJ/RF-4EJ Phantom II fleets. By October 2018, 10 of the Last December, the Japan’s government signed Singapore 14 aircraft ordered had been RoKAF declared IOC on the an initial LOA for its first four On January 9, 2020, the US delivered to Luke AFB. Two F-35A, operational with aircraft in June 2012 and approved a possible FMS to of these were transferred to the 17th Fighter Wing.

42 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero Rest of the World

South 01 Korea 02 Japan 04

Israel

Japan 1 F-35A Misawa air base, Misawa, Aomori, Honshū 302 Hikotai (302nd Tactical Fighter Squadron)

South Korea 2 F-35A Cheongju air base, Cheongju International Airport, Chungbuk 151st Fighter Squadron 152nd Fighter Squadron Australia Australia 3 F-35A 03 RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales 2 Squadron (Operational Conversion Unit) 3 Squadron

Israel 4 F-35A Nevatim air base, Be’er Sheva 116 Squadron “Defenders of the South Squadron” 140 Squadron “The Golden Eagle Squadron”

www.Key.Aero F-35 SPECIAL // 43 F-35 SPECIAL

Pilot/instructorAll-knowing Justin ‘Hasard’ Lee reveals the Lockheed pilots Martin F-35 Lightning II’s ability to deliver an unprecedented battlespace overview. Interview by Rob Coppinger

“ t is fantastic from a of other aircraft where the pilots “We have noise cancellation situational awareness [were] just flying along and end up headphones, which help cut down I perspective. I would running into a mountain because quite a bit on the excess noise, but say like any fifth-generation they’re focused on their radar or it’s pretty similar in terms of how fighter, the stealth aspect of it, something else.” The Lightning II, it sounds compared to an F-16,” he the sensors are great. The sensor originally called the Joint Strike says. Being a stealth, networked fusion is amazing,” says Justin Fighter (JSF), ends that need for platform, Lee describes the JSF ‘Hasard’ Lee, commenting on the the pilot to be head down, because as, “the airborne quarterback, out Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning much of the information required there”. With fourth-generation II that he flies and works as an is presented on the pilot’s visor. fighters, the F-16 and Boeing instructor for at Luke Air Force “The F-35 really changes that,” F-15 Eagle, expected to be Base (AFB), Arizona. A former Lee says. “It’ll be a red dot if it’s a operational until the late 2040s, Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting bad guy, green dot if it’s good guy. Lee says: “Our job is to be the Falcon pilot, Lee sees a joined- So, it really helps the pilot out,” quarterback and to help direct up cockpit in the F-35 unlike and this simplified presentation the forces,” with that situational other types where the pilot has of the tactical situation allows awareness the Lightning II has. to make the connections, while the pilots to “take our decision Lee has been an airborne also pulling g. “With the F-16, I making to a higher level and quarterback since 2017 and before had a lot of different screens tied have more of a strategic level that he flew the F-16 with missions to different sensors. For instance, impact on the battlefield”. He in Afghanistan. While he is happy my radar warning receiver adds: “We can network really to talk about the F-35, he is more didn’t really talk to my radar.” well with other aircraft and we circumspect about his callsign, While the F-16 has a great also have high angle of attack ‘Hasard’. “You have to buy the pilot reputation, the need for the pilot ability.” While the F-35 is a fifth- beer to get their callsign story, to be head down, looking at his generation connected aircraft, Lee that’s kind of our tradition.” In the displays, trying to make those explains that the audio quality US Air Force, the callsigns have connections, has had tragic for talking to the other aircraft “pretty good” stories behind them, results. “We actually had six times on the network is not better than Lee says. “So, nobody’s going to be the controlled flight into terrain the fourth-generation F-16. called ‘Maverick’ because they’re

“It’s pretty easy, it’s just a switch, same thing in the F-16, it’s just a switch. There’s no keys, but it’s relatively easy.” After switching it on, that Tesla feel comes from “less buttons” – with the JSF it is a “very clean set-up because a lot of the controls are in the screen.”

44 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero All-knowing pilots

Left: Justin ‘Hasard’ Lee in front of a Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II USAF Far left: In the F-35 cockpit, JHL with his display visor pushed up. USAF

www.Key.Aero F-35 SPECIAL // 45 F-35 SPECIAL

“So, we’re trying to pull the gear up before we damage it. The idea is to bring the landing gear into the inside of the aircraft before the rate of climb is too great,”

A Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II can carry an external load of munitions on wing pylons. USAF

46 // F-35 SUPPLEMENT www.Key.Aero an amazing pilot. It always has some sort of funny story or funny acronym that goes along with it.” In moving from the F-16 to the Lightning II, Lee describes the cockpit of the F-35 as “more like a Tesla”, but turning the huge fighter on is the same as the Fighting Falcon: “It’s pretty easy, it’s just a switch, same thing in the F-16, it’s just a switch. There’s no keys, but it’s relatively easy.” After switching it on, that Tesla feel comes from “less buttons” – with the JSF it is a “very clean set-up because a lot of the controls are in the screen”. More like a Tesla Climbing into the Tesla-like cockpit, with the canopy closed, Lee explains that during the summer “depending on which runway you’re taking off from, The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon is considered a fourth-generation fighter. Many Lockheed Martin F-35 we’ll typically do afterburner Lightning II pilots have been F-16 pilots previously. USAF take-offs”. He continues: “You’ll push the throttle all the way Since then it has evolved their all. So, it is just a matter have missions that went from forward, the afterburner will kick into a podcast that has guest of identifying where their five to eight hours.” Lee weighs in and it’s a tremendous amount astronauts and Federal Bureau weaknesses are and patching 200lbs (90kg), but with equipment of thrust. It really pushes you of Investigation negotiators. “As those up and getting them to and his flight suit on, he is back into the seat.” Like a Tesla, fighter pilots, one big aspect the level where they can safely 230lbs. “We’ll pull up to 9g, nine the F-35 has its own ‘Ludicrous of how we learn is the debrief. execute and fly on their own,” times the force of gravity, over mode’ acceleration. “That first And we develop lessons learned Lee explains. Flying on your own 2,000lbs of force on my body.” flight I just had a grin on my from the debrief,” Lee explains. is an understatement because Simply put, “it’s harsh on your face as I was doing that – you “So, I go to some of these other that will include pulling 9g, nine body” and the pilot could pass accelerate to about 160 knots professionals and figure out what times your bodyweight in some out, “because all that blood is [184mph, 296km/h] and then their lessons learned are and help manoeuvres. Part of the training being pulled from your head into you start to rotate; then you get to share it with the audience.” is about knowing the effects your extremities”. If too much airborne, gear goes up, you’re His day job is also educational, of g and mitigating its impact. blood is lost and a pilot passes really accelerating quick.” and Lee came to it from combat “Initially, your peripheral vision is out, “at the speeds we’re flying, The pilot must not “over-speed missions in Afghanistan: “I was lost. And it shrinks in and by 9g you will probably impact the the gear”, which means climbing in Afghanistan – we have about it’s like you’re looking through a ground in about 15 seconds” at a rate where too much drag on three-year assignments and my toilet paper roll,” Lee explains. Lee warns. He adds that it takes the gear can damage it. “So, we’re assignment was coming due. I’d about 30 seconds to recover trying to pull the gear up before been there for three-and-a-half G tolerance from a G-LOC, a g-induced loss we damage it. The idea is to bring years.” For Lee, there was only one Pilots wear g-suits, an overall with of consciousness. “We do what’s the landing gear into the inside of aircraft he wanted to fly after the bladders that are designed to put called a GSM, an anti-g straining the aircraft before the rate of climb F-16. “My number one aircraft to pressure on certain parts of the manoeuvre, squeezing our calves, is too great,” and gear-up is one of go and fly was the F-35. This was body to push the blood back into thighs, glutes, abs relaxed… the few manual switches, levers, back in 2017 when primarily test the head. “You’re really trying to upper body… squeezing that in the F-35 cockpit. Lee warns pilots and very experienced pilots open that [peripheral vision] back blood back into your brain.” that once the aircraft is in a “sleek were going to the F-35 and, lo up by pushing blood back into Before the pilot can see the configuration” it can go really and behold, I got selected for it.” your brain. And we deal quite a red dot enemy on their visor fast, but “sticking a big landing Lee would be moving to Luke bit with human performance out display, while having toilet roll gear out there, it’s gonna rip off”. AFB and, as his wife is from here.” That human performance tube vision in a 9g manoeuvre After take-off and gear-up, an Phoenix, “it worked out perfectly” includes being properly hydrated: and straining their lower body F-35 pilot will level off at 5,000ft – the air base is 15 miles (24km) “Being just 2% dehydrated muscles, it all starts with a laptop: (1,524m) to cruise to the military west of Phoenix. Now overseeing can reduce your g tolerance “We have laptops that are given operations training area. “After F-35 recruits, Lee says: “We can endurance by 50%. So, it’s out to the students early on in the we take off, when we’re flying to identify pretty quickly who is important to stay hydrated training and you have Hands-On and from the [military] airspace, struggling and who’s doing well, [and] it’s important to sleep.” Throttle And Stick, HOTAS, tasks.” we’re under all the standard rules and we can give them extra The g tolerance is important Using the laptops, the students that even a [general aviation] training.” He points out that because a typical training mission can practise how to start the Cessna is.” All this experience one of the good things about is an hour to 90 minutes and, as jet, for example: “Laptops [are] and more led Lee to start his own a Lightning II class intake is: Lee says: “You’re hitting these where they can practise and that podcast: “I was going to different “You can always count on the gees over and over again. It’s helps bridge the gap from just schools, talking with the students, students that have been selected… important to work out so that we reading and learning about stuff and thought the podcast would they’re always motivated.” can withstand these gees [and] in lectures to the simulator.” be a great way to kind of share And they have to be, because that’s just in training. When I was Lee explains: “We’re doing that experience. And it started “every single event is graded”. in combat, we had a tanker that everything we can to spin off just fighter pilots-centric.” “They’re always going to give would follow us around and we’d people up as quickly as possible

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because the simulators are very you push the button forward and pilot, then training to be a pilots, both types; F-22 pilots – we expensive and obviously flying you slowly roll – it’s making a Lightning II pilot and finally an have the whole gamut here. We in the air is very expensive and bunch of noise – into this dome.” instructor, Lee sees similarities also have foreign countries here.” limited. So, we try to make every The next step is to “align your in learning to fly the two jets: The foreign countries are drop of gas fuel count,” or hour helmet and change your seating “I think it’s very similar. So, we those participating in the F-35 of simulator computer time. height to make it all match, trade notes quite a bit at Luke programme. “We have Italy, we There are different types of F-35 because the augmented reality is Air Force Base. We have about have Norway, we have Australia. simulator, Lee says, but the type going to have to be really precise”, half F-16s and half F-35s. So, It’s really a melting pot of all kinds used at Luke AFB has a large dome Lee says. And at that point, the we’re constantly learning back of different people. And that’s about five or six metres across; screen can show anything; the and forth.” Lee points out that challenging because people bring the pilot sits in the seat and it mission can start on the ground the F-35 syllabus is largely based in their own ideas and it’s difficult moves forward into position. or 5,000ft in the sky. At least once on “what we do in the lessons to all get on the same sheet of “You roll forward and it’s almost a month “we do an emergency learned with the F-16”. He feels music.” He adds that he does see like on tank tracks.” In front of the procedure sim… and they spin that they are “very, very similar”. the international F-35 community pilot is a full 360° high definition the dial of death, as we call it, While there are two-seater as a good thing because “it kind screen. “When you first go into and they can make all kinds of F-16s for training, “they use their of stirs the pot and we find new the room, it’s almost pitch black things happen – from being out of simulators quite a bit as well. techniques that have come and you get a helmet cloth control to having issues with your So, I don’t think there’s a whole from different communities as and put that over your head, thermal management system.” lot of difference in terms of the well as different countries”. then you put the helmet on.” Lee points out that the pilot’s simulator training, where we’re Pilot training is tough, The helmet is not the same as job “is to figure out what’s going both using it as much as we can”. discriminating and requires those the pilots fly with, which on” but adds that the JSF is so Another key similarity for Falcon the best of every candidate, are individual to each person much more intelligent than its pilots is the ability to control including physical fitness. And because of the high precision predecessors: “In the F-35 it is various F-35 functions using if that sounds like an athlete, needs of the vision system. quite a bit easier than the F-16 switches and buttons located on the USAF goes one step closer because the jet is smart and tells the throttle and the control stick, into the world of athletics, using Augmented reality you in a lot of cases the issues the feature known as HOTAS. sports psychologists. “Human While not the F-35 helmet, the it’s having.” When emergency “The [F-35] hands-on throttle and performance is a big factor simulator head gear does provide procedures are not being stick was based a lot more on the in terms of what we do here. an augmented reality view and practised, the pilots could be F-16 than the F-15, for instance.” We have a sports psychologist shows what pilots see when “doing a suppression of enemy air Lee thinks that while early in assigned to every base” Lee they actually fly: “You step into defence sim and we’ll have four the deployment of the F-35 it explains, and this takes him back the cockpit and it’s a realistic fighters all networked together. was more common for F-16 pilots to when he boxed at the United cockpit. It looks almost exactly And we’ll be trying to accomplish to transition to the Lightning States Air Force Academy. like the one in the jet, but we’re a mission of taking out surface II, they now have more varied Based in Colorado Springs, the not strapping in.” Lee points out air missiles”. Lee compares this backgrounds. He says the fighter academy is near the US Olympic that they have different training to playing a first-person shooter pilots all have “different walks”, and Paralympic team training devices for strapping into the computer game co-operatively: adding: “We have [Fairchild centre and Lee recalls how seat. Once in the simulator seat “It’s just like Call of Duty,” he adds. Republic] A-10 [Thunderbolt II] the USAF would bring sports “you turn off the light and then Having been a Fighting Falcon pilots; we have F-16 pilots, F-15 psychologists there “to work with us in terms of visualisation; Justin ‘Hasard’ Lee takes a selfie high self-talk, staying in the present above the mountains while flying a moment – we’re applying that and Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon. Justin ‘Hasard’ Lee having new pilots go through that process”. While the new pilots talk to a psychologist, older pilots have more physical considerations. “Those [g] forces are harsh on your body. My squadron – 30 pilots – we had one pilot just retire, but his last year he couldn’t fly because he had neck and back issues. We have another pilot who’s 40 years old and he’s been told he has the neck and spine of a 55-year-old.” And Lee himself has not escaped the rigours of high-g dogfighting: “I’ve kind of minorly injured myself as well. So, we have a physical therapist after every flight that works with us and tries to get us ready for the next flight.” The F-35 might be considered a fifth-generation fighter, but for the veteran pilots who have been pulling g for years and the new pilots who will manoeuvre at 9g, their bodies may begin to feel like they are actually the gladiators of old. AFM

48 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero “We have Italy, we have Norway, we have Australia. It’s really a melting pot of all kinds of different people. That’s challenging because people bring in their own ideas and it’s difficult to all get on the same sheet of music.”

Right Justin ‘Hasard’ Lee stands in front of a Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon USAF

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F-35 mid-air

refuellingUS Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker 59-1488 from the Maine ’s (ANG’s) 101st Air Refueling Wing/132nd Air Refueling Squadron ‘Maineiacs’ at Bangor International Airport (IAP) refuels Burlington IAP-based Vermont ANG//134th Fighter Squadron ‘Green Mountain Boys’ F-35A Lightning II 17-5280 ‘VT’ while a second F-35A from the unit, 18-5336 ‘VT,’ awaits its turn alongside. The 158th FW is the first ANG unit to transition to the F-35A and its first two aircraft arrived at Burlington on September 19, 2019. Later, on October 19, 2019, there was a formal welcome ceremony for them as replacement of its previous F-16s commenced. The unit had the distinction of accepting the 500th F-35 delivery, aircraft serial number 18-5343, which Lockheed Martin announced delivery of on March 3 this year. On May 6, the unit carried out its 500th sortie with its new F-35As. By that time, it had taken delivery of 15 of the type and expects to have its full complement of 20 aircraft by the end of August 2020. The picture is taken over Central New York. Jim ‘Hazy’ Haseltine

50 // F-35 SPECIAL www.Key.Aero F-35 mid-air refuelling

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