F-35

The first F-35 JSF landed at Eglin Air Force Base, become the first F-35 in the USAAF's inventory. Lt. Col. Eric Smith is USAAF's first qualified F-35 pilot, and he said "It was a smooth ride in. The jet behaved awesomely. I'm just so glad to home to Eglin"

X-47B Video

Battle of Britain

In 1940 today, the Battle of Britain began. Here are some planes that were flown (allied):

     

Northrop Grumman X-47B

Northrop Grumman is developing the X-47B, a tailless strike fighter-sized system that is unmanned. It is also the first unmanned fighter to be able land and take off from an aircraft carrier. An F/A-18 using the avionics made many landings and touch and goes. Northrop Grumman says in the year 2013, it will be used to demonstrate the first carrier launches and recoveries by a low observable unmanned aircraft. It will also be a foundation for future unmanned, carrier based aircraft. The X-47B Developed from X-47A. Check out the full story here.

69 Years Ago Yesterday

69 years ago yesterday, the AVG (American Volunteer Group, or Flying Tigers) became a part of the US Air Force. Claire Chennault is called back and takes command of China Air Task Force. Here are pictures of P-40s they flew:

Claire Chennault

Quote of the Week

The air battle is not necessarily won at the time of the battle. The winner may have been determined by the amount of time, energy, thought and training an individual has previously accomplished in an effort to increase his ability as a fighter pilot.

— Colonel Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington, USMC, 26 victories, W.W. II

quote frome skygod.com