The F-35A is ready for combat. With these words the commander of the Air Combat Command, General Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, announced the IOC certification (Initial Operational Capability).
The first squadron will consist of twelve F-35A fighters. 21 pilots of 34° Fighter Squadron enabled for operational version A based in Hill Air Force Base. The twelve fighters, as happened for those of the Marines, have been modified with respect to those currently deployed. The implemented changes will be part of the future production line.
The USAF declared the tactical fighter operational exactly one year after the Marines. Version A concerns the conventional take-off and landing platform. Italy bought 60 F-35As.
Large-scale production will not begin before 2019, while 4F software, capable of enabling the entire arsenal designed for the F-35, will not be released until 2022 (barring delays).
Anyway, the certification IOC for version A, it represents a turning point in the JSF program which, despite the criticisms and problems, continues its development path.
(photo: Lockheed Martin)
