Remarkable Images Of The F-35 Lightning

Daniel Daehler, 944th Operations Group Det. 2, F-35 instructor pilot, walks off the flightline at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, after flying a F-35 Lightning II from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, to RAF Fairford making it his first trans-Atlantic flight and the first U.S. Air Force F-35 trans-Atlantic flight. The trip to the United Kingdom was in support of the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford in southern England. The group from Luke flew three F-35’s to the air show allowing the crowds to witness an aerial performance and were able to get up close to the aircraft with a static display.

Daniel Daehler, 944th Operations Group Det. 2, Lockheed Martin F-35 instructor pilot, walks off the flightline at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, after flying an F-35 Lightning II from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, to RAF Fairford. These F-35 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 3, 2015) Cmdr. Ted “Dutch” Dyckman, an F-35 Lightning II test pilot from the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF), is on approach for an arrested landing aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) on 03 October 2015. The F-35 Pax River ITF is conducting its second Developmental Test (DT-II) phase aboard the Eisenhower.

Cmdr. Ted “Dutch” Dyckman, an F-35 Lightning II test pilot from the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF), is on approach for an arrested landing aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 28, 2016) An F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft from Air Test & Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland taxis along the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) on Oct. 28. A highly diverse cadre of Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) technicians, maintainers, engineers, logisticians, support staff and test pilots are embarked aboard USS America for the third and final developmental test phase (DT-III) of F-35B carrier suitability and integration. Also aboard USS America with the Salty Dogs of VX-23 are Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 from Edwards AFB, California and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 from MCAS Yuma, Arizona.

PACIFIC OCEAN – An F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft from Air Test & Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland taxis along the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America.

A 61st Fighter Squadron F-35 Lightning II takes off Feb. 2, 2016 at sundown in the Arizona desert on full afterburner from Luke Air Force Base. F-35s take off on afterburner in order to gain elevation and speed quickly. Night flying is an integral part of the training of F-35 pilots at Luke.

A 61st Fighter Squadron F-35 Lightning II takes off at sundown in the Arizona desert on full afterburner from Luke Air Force Base. These F-35 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, conducts a vertical landing at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 2, 2017. VMFA-121 is permanently stationed at MCAS Iwakuni and belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter, which is the world’s first operational supersonic short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. The F-35B brings strategic agility, operational flexibility and tactical supremacy to III MEF with a mission radius greater than that of the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II in support of the U.S. – Japan alliance.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, conducts a vertical landing at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

Maj. Will Andreotta, F-35 Lightning II "Heritage Flight Team" pilot from Luke Air Force Base, Az., prepares to exit the cockpit at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 20, 2016. The aircraft is here to perform a fly-over during the U.S. Air Force Tattoo at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2016.

Maj. Will Andreotta, F-35 Lightning II “Heritage Flight Team” pilot from Luke Air Force Base, Az., prepares to exit the cockpit at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

The U.S. Marine Corps F-35A Lightning II demonstrates its refueling capabilities on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan 30, 2017

The U.S. Marine Corps F-35A Lightning II demonstrates its refueling capabilities on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif. These F-35 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Geelong, AUSTRALIA – An F-35 Lightning II stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., departs the runway during the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (AVALON) March 4. AVALON 2017 is an ideal forum to showcase U.S. defense aircraft and equipment, particularly the latest in fifth generation capabilities such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 and it is the largest, most comprehensive event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting aviation and aerospace professions, key defense personnel, aviation enthusiasts and the general public. The U.S. participates in AVALON and other similar events to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to regional security and stability.

Geelong, AUSTRALIA – An F-35 Lightning II stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., departs the runway during the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition.

A U.S. Air Force weapons load crew assigned to the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron loads a live GBU-12 into an F-35A January 18, 2017, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The 33rd Fighter Wing loaded and released the Air Education and Training Command’s first live bombs from an F-35A. Six aircraft were loaded with armed GBU-12s, and two bombs were released over the Eglin Air Force Base range. The F-35 can carry a combined payload of 2.3K pounds of Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground munitions internally, with an extended capacity of munitions on each wing.

A U.S. Air Force weapons load crew assigned to the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron loads a live GBU-12 into an F-35A at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 20, 2016) An F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, assigned to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, performs an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). VX-23 is conducting its third and final developmental test (DT-III) phase aboard George Washington in the Atlantic Ocean. The F-35C is expected to be fleet operational in 2018

ATLANTIC OCEAN – An F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, assigned to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, performs an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). These F-35 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 16, 2016) An F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, assigned to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, performs a flyover above flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). VX-23 is conducting its third and final developmental test (DT-III) phase aboard George Washington in the Atlantic Ocean. The F-35C is expected to be Fleet operational in 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wyatt L. Anthony)

An F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, assigned to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron  23, performs a flyover above the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington.

An F-35A taxis back to the flightily after a test flight at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, Feb 17, 2016. Six operational test and evaluation F-35s and more than 85 Airmen of the 31st TES travelled to Mountain Home AFB to conduct the first simulated deployment test of the F-35A, specifically to execute three key initial operational capability mission sets: suppression of enemy air defenses, close air support and air interdiction.

An F-35A taxis back to the flightily after a test flight at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, hovers overhead before completing a vertical landing at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 3, 2017. VMFA-121 is permanently stationed at MCAS Iwakuni and belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter, which is the world’s first operational supersonic short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. The F-35B brings strategic agility, operational flexibility and tactical supremacy to III MEF with a mission radius greater than that of the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II in support of the U.S. – Japan alliance.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, hovers overhead before completing a vertical landing at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. These F-35 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, taxis to the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 3, 2017. VMFA-121 is permanently stationed at MCAS Iwakuni and belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter, which is the world’s first operational supersonic short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. The F-35B brings strategic agility, operational flexibility and tactical supremacy to III MEF with a mission radius greater than that of the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II in support of the U.S. – Japan alliance.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, taxis to the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 conducted the first weapons separation test of an AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) from an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant March 23. During flight 180 over the NAVAIR Atlantic Test Ranges, Cmdr. Ted Dyckman, a U.S. Navy F-35 test pilot, dropped an inert JSOW from aircraft CF-05. This test is the first of a series of JSOW separation events scheduled for 2016.

The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 conducted the first weapons separation test of an AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) from an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 2, 2015) Two test pilots from the Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 taxi their F-35C Lightning II aircraft aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during the F-35’s second developmental test (DT-II) phase. Cmdr. Ted “Dutch” Dyckman flew aircraft 73/CF-03 and Cmdr. Christian “Wilson” Sewell flew aircraft 75/CF-05.

Atlantic Ocean Two test pilots from the Pax River Integrated Test Force  at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron  23 taxi their F-35C Lightning II aircraft aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during the F-35’s second developmental test  phase. Cmdr. Ted “Dutch” Dyckman flew aircraft 73/CF-03 and Cmdr. Christian “Wilson” Sewell flew aircraft 75/CF-05. These F-35 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, lands at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 19, 2017. VMFA-121 conducted a permanent change of station to MCAS Iwakuni, from MCAS Yuma, Ariz., and now belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter, which is the world’s first operational supersonic short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. The F-35B brings strategic agility, operational flexibility and tactical supremacy to III MEF with a mission radius greater than that of the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II in support of the U.S. – Japan alliance.

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, lands at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.  The F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter, which is the world’s first operational supersonic short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft.

An F-35A is parked on the flight line at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, Feb 17, 2016. Six operational test and evaluation F-35s and more than 85 Airmen of the 31st TES travelled to Mountain Home AFB to conduct the first simulated deployment test of the F-35A, specifically to execute three key initial operational capability mission sets: suppression of enemy air defenses, close air support and air interdiction.

An F-35A is parked on the flight line at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

An Israeli F-35 “Adir” receives fuel from a Tennessee Air National Guard KC-135 as the aircraft make the flight across the Atlantic, Dec, 6, 2016. The U.S.-made F-35s will be Israel’s first fifth generation fighter aircraft and were refueled multiple times while en route to ensure their safe delivery to Israel.

An Israeli F-35 “Adir” receives fuel from a Tennessee Air National Guard KC-135 as the aircraft make the flight across the Atlantic. These F-35 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

A U.S. Air Force weapons load crew assigned to the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron loads a live AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) into an F-35A January 31, 2017, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The 33rd Fighter Wing loaded and shot the first air-to-air missiles from an F-35A during a weapons system evaluation that took place at Tyndall Air Force Base later the same day. Carrying air-to-air missiles makes the F-35 a more versatile option for combatant commanders by securing the aircrafts survivability, in turn increasing likeliness of mission success.

A U.S. Air Force weapons load crew assigned to the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron loads a live AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) into an F-35A at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Airmen from the 57th Maintenance Group, Lightning Aircraft Maintenance Unit, load an F-35A Lightning II during the 57th Wing’s third quarter weapons load crew competition at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Oct. 7. Lightning AMU is responsible for the aircraft maintenance of the F-35A Lightning II at Nellis AFB.

Airmen from the 57th Maintenance Group, Lightning Aircraft Maintenance Unit, load an F-35A Lightning II during the 57th Wing’s third quarter weapons load crew competition at Nellis Air Force Base.

PACIFIC OCEAN -- An F35B Lightning II prepares to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during the Lightning Carrier Proof of Concept Demonstration, November 18, 2016. The F-35B will eventually replace three Marine Corps aircraft; the AV-8B Harrier, F/A-18 Hornet and the EA-6B Prowler.

An F35B Lightning II prepares to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during the Lightning Carrier Proof of Concept Demonstration. These F-35 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 2, 2015) The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) is conducting its second developmental test (DT-II) at sea. While aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the highly diverse cadre of PAX ITF technicians, maintainers, engineers, logisticians, support staff and test pilots are testing F-35C carrier suitability and integration in the at-sea environment. As of September 1, the F-35 Lightning II surpassed 40,000 combined flight hours between F-35 military fleet aircraft and System Development and Demonstration (SDD) test aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force  is conducting its second developmental test  at sea. While aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

An Australian F-35 Lightning II prepares to launch Jan. 28 at Luke Air Force Base. Australia now has two F-35s stationed at Luke and is the first partner nation to arrive at Luke for the F-35 program.

An Australian F-35 Lightning II prepares to launch Jan. 28 at Luke Air Force Base. Australia.

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