185 Test Flights Conducted Since Last Update

Lockheed Martin tells ANN that its F-35 flight test program continues to make progress. Since the last flight test update issued on Sept. 20, the F-35 Lightning II 5th Generation multirole fighter conducted 185 test flights, bringing the total number of test flights for the year to 837. A major highlight for October was the completion of F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) ship suitability testing aboard the USS WASP (LHD-1) off the coast of Virginia. The test began when BF-2 executed the first shipboard vertical landing on Oct. 3. The next day, BF-2 executed the first short takeoff from the WASP. During the third week of sea trials, BF-2 and BF-4 operated simultaneously on the ship. Combined, they accomplished 72 shor

Apache Nation Representatives Participate In Ceremony

On Wednesday, at the Boeing plant where they're manufactured, the first five examples of the Block III AH64D Longbow Apache combat helicopters were delivered to the US Army. The Arizona Republic reports the delivery, held in Mesa, included a ceremonial blessing on the machines bestowed by White Mountain Apache Tribal Chairman Ronnie Lupe.

Dedicated Asset Allows UAS Test Directorate To Assess New Technologies, Support New Missions For Marine Corps

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, UAS Test Directorate, has established and demonstrated a dedicated Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System for test and evaluation purposes. The system will be used to support U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical UAS Program Office (PMA-263) test and evaluation initiatives, including the Wide Focal Plane Array Camera (WFPAC) payload development effort.

Second Multiyear Helicopter Contract Could Mean Substantial Savings For Government, Taxpayers, Company Says

A proposal for a multiyear contract for the production and delivery of 155 CH-47F helicopters has been submitted to the U.S. Army by Boeing. "This second multiyear contract proposal will provide not only the vertical lift capability that warfighters use and need every day, but also will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in savings for taxpayers and the U.S. government," said Leanne Caret, Boeing vice president, H-47 Programs.

Airplane Is Number 250 In The 'J' Series Of Airlifters

The 250th "J" series C-130 Super Hercules has been rolled out of Lockheed Martin's Marietta, GA, factory ... destined for Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, which is scheduled to receive a total of 28 C-130Js. This aircraft is the 2,404th C-130 of all makes and models to be built in Marietta.

Government Looks To Purchase Three Aircraft, Parts, Support

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Thursday of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Turkey for three AH-1W Super Cobra Attack Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $111 million.