Pentagon finally approves F-35 for full rate production after 5-year delay

Pentagon finally approves F-35 for full rate production after 5-year delay
Pentagon finally approves F-35 for full rate production after 5-year delay

The “Milestone C” decision is a crucial moment signifying the department’s confidence in the performance of the F-35 and maturity of Lockheed Martin’s production system, though the plane has been in service for years.

As adversaries advance, US Air Force increasingly reliant on synthetic training

As adversaries advance, US Air Force increasingly reliant on synthetic training
As adversaries advance, US Air Force increasingly reliant on synthetic training

“Future combat employment is about kill chains and kill webs, it’s about systems of systems warfare,” and pilot training has to reflect that, Col. Matt Ryan told Breaking Defense.

F-35 program completes key combat simulations, could pave way for full-rate production

F-35 program completes key combat simulations, could pave way for full-rate production
F-35 program completes key combat simulations, could pave way for full-rate production

While over 900 F-35s have been produced, the program has technically been stuck in its initial operational testing phase for years over the delayed completion of the trials.

Full rate production for F-35 is at least another year away

Full rate production for F-35 is at least another year away
Full rate production for F-35 is at least another year away

“It’s not like, you know, Candy Crush Saga or Wordle, or even the video game your kids play,” Lt. Gen. Eric Fick said of the Joint Simulation Environment needed to carry out F-35 testing. “It doesn’t just have to look right, it has to be right at the digital level.”

New schedule for critical F-35 simulation tests coming in early 2022

New schedule for critical F-35 simulation tests coming in early 2022
New schedule for critical F-35 simulation tests coming in early 2022

Before the F-35 can be declared ready for full-rate production, it must complete tests in the Pentagon’s Joint Simulation Environment.

ALIS Working Better, But F-35 Full-Rate Date Still Unclear

ALIS Working Better, But F-35 Full-Rate Date Still Unclear
ALIS Working Better, But F-35 Full-Rate Date Still Unclear

“I don’t sense that the lack of that milestone is doing anything other than providing a launching point for criticism of the program,” JPO Director Lt. Gen. Eric Fick said.

COVID-19: F-35 Testing Suspended; Edwards AFB Flight Tests Halted

COVID-19: F-35 Testing Suspended; Edwards AFB Flight Tests Halted
COVID-19: F-35 Testing Suspended; Edwards AFB Flight Tests Halted

“As of yesterday, F-35 flight test organizations have ceased flight operations, but organizations that can continue verification activities via telework are continuing to do so,” Brandi Schiff, JPO spokesman, said yesterday in an email.