F-35 sims link pilots

ORLANDO, Fla. -- F-35A pilots are now training with four Full Mission Simulators linked together at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. It moves the 34th Fighter Squadron closer to meeting its goal to be combat ready by August 2016. The squadron will be the first Air Force F-35A unit to reach initial operational capability. The ability to link four pilots together during training using virtual technology not only gives them a chance to hone their individual skills but to develop tactics as a unit against ground and airborne threats in a high fidelity environment. According to Lockheed Martin, more than 190 F-35 pilots and 1,000 maintenance personnel for the Air Force will be mission ready by August 2016. The Marine Corps was the first to declare initial operational capability last summer. The Navy plans to reach IOC in 2018. (Source: Defense News, 12/01/15) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.