Aircraft
Lockheed Martin Focused on F-35A Initial Operating Capability
The manufacturer is working to support the U.S. Air Force's planned declaration of F-35A initial operating capability by August.
In February, an F-35A of the 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base dropped a GBU-12 laser-guided bomb. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
In February, an F-35A of the 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base dropped a GBU-12 laser-guided bomb. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

Lockheed Martin is focused on helping the U.S. Air Force achieve initial operational capability (IOC) of the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant as early as August. By the end of the year or early next year, the manufacturer plans to implement fixes to the aircraft’s ejection seat, which the Air Force has said presents a risk of injury to lighter-weight pilots. Since last fall, the service has restricted pilots weighing less than 136 pounds from flying the F-35A.


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