Eglin F-35s to fly soon

The F-35s at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., could begin flying in a matter of weeks, the Air Force's top training officer said. Gen. Edward Rice, commander of Air Education and Training Command, made the comment during a news conference at the Air Force Association's winter conference in Orlando, Fla. But it could be much longer before student pilots begin flying. (Source: DoD Buzz, 02/23/12) In another F-35 story, Turkey still plans to buy 100 F-35 fighter jets for $16 billion, with an initial order of two planes for delivery in 2015, according to Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz. (Source: Reuters, 02/23/12) Lockheed Martin opened a new 57,000 square-foot facility in Pinellas Park, Fla., to produce canopy components for the F-35. The facility is an annex to Lockheed Martin’s existing 197,000 square-foot building. (Source: SpaceWar, 02/24/12)