USAF has named Luke Air Force Base, Arizona as the preferred alternative for USAF F-35 operational training. This could involve up to 6 F-35 squadrons and up to 144 aircraft.
Assuming everything works out for Luke, after USAF pilots get their initial training at Eglin AFB, Florida, they would go on to Luke AFB to get their operational training. From there they would go on to a front-line F-35 squadron.
Currently, the pilot pipeline for the F-35 is suffering delays due to safety issues with current production aircraft for use as initial pilot trainers at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. This means the initial pilot training effort at Eglin is grounded until further notice.
Of interest, Arizona Senator McCain would naturally be interested in this Luke AFB announcement. McCain is also the lead Republican chair on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC).
8 comments:
Gee, who would have thunk it? McCain and the F-35s go to Luke. Now that is a real mystery....
I live here in AZ, it is a victory of sorts. One, there is some opposition to the basing because of concerns of noise level and urban encroachment. Second, does the USAF now that it sometimes gets F*CKING HOT here like 117F to 123F in summer? Wonder what that is going to do that fuel heat sink that is required by JSF to operate properly? I am sure that's going to do wonder's to all those fancy gizmos when they start to overheat...For those that don't know, because of global warming and urban heat effect, in summer time, it doesn't cool off at night, we have seen over 100F even at night...Yeah, it's a dry heat alright.
Jobs, Luke AFB, McCain? hmm?
Gotta love politics.
Nothing that a special diet of refreshing pre-chilled JP-4/5 won't fix. Maybe Lockmart can sell the DoD a few super-sized military spec Slushee machines for the job.
Ain't those "significantly reduced O&S costs" wonderful?
"One, there is some opposition..."
You mean some extortionists? Apparently, they got their piece of the action. Next!
"Second, does the USAF now that it sometimes gets HOT here..."
I think they do, since they operate their jets from there now. I think the best thing to do is fly 'em and get 'em high. It's cold enough at 30,000 ft. Don't get too aggressive with the flight controls though. We don't want to overheat those actuators.
" ...because of global warming and urban heat effect..."
Guffaw, you're killin' me, but I digress.
"...Yeah, it's a dry heat alright..."
It ain't the heat, it's the humility.
To ANON:
What ever dude...
I agree Nico, the already hot F-35 operating out of Luke is a receipt for disaster.
On the other hand they'll eventually rubber stamp the F-35 as being safe to fly and then the inevitable will occur, it will start killing pilots.
Noise, anyone?
At an altitude of 1,000 feet, the JSF is capable of putting out sound pressure level foot prints on the ground over 120 dBA.
What's the acoustic threshold of pain, again?
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