Friday, August 30, 2013

Marines like F-35 progress

ABOARD USS WASP -- Two F-35B fighter jets completed dozens of test flights from the deck of this amphibious assault ship over the past three weeks. But several flights were scrapped Wednesday for maintenance issues. Marine Corps officials said the jets had made more than 90 successful vertical landings on the USS Wasp this month, including many at night. The officials said groundings were rare during the recent 19-day test period. Marines plan to use their version – one of three variants – in mid-2015. (Source: Reuters, 08/29/13) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center. Previous: Night vertical lands? Check; F-35 marks 500th vertical landing; F-35 makes at-sea landing; Wasp concludes JSF testing