First F-35C Carrier Version Reports for Training Duty at Eglin | Aviation International News

First F-35C Carrier Version Reports for Training Duty at Eglin

Although the F-35 is in much better shape now than it was a year ago, Lockheed Martin is “not declaring victory yet–it’s still a development program."

The first F-35C to join the combined U.S. training fleet arrived at Eglin AFB on June 22. It is the first of five carrier versions (CVs) that are due to be delivered there by year-end. They will be operated by VF-101, the U.S. Navy’s F-35C fleet replacement squadron, training both pilots and mechanics. (photo: Lockheed Martin)

By Chris Pocock • Defense Correspondent

June 28, 2013

Although the F-35 is in much better shape now than it was a year ago, “we’re not declaring victory yet–it’s still a development program,” said Lockheed Martin v-p of F-35 program integration Steve O’Bryan at the Paris Air Show. But O’Bryan noted that the top U.S. government procurement official had recently expressed cautious optimism and declared that there are no technical showstoppers. He also expressed satisfaction that the sixth and latest report on the huge program by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has been positive, and the first not to recommend any remedial actions. The three U.S. services have recently declared their initial operating capability (IOC) dates, he noted. With more than 84 aircraft rolled out and 65 flying, the F-35 program is proceeding apace.

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