Lockheed Martin announced Wednesday that it has finished full-scale static testing of the F-35A, the conventional takeoff and landing version of the F-35 strike fighter. This testing was completed five months ahead of schedule, in less than half the time of legacy programs—and with “zero structural failures,” stated the company. “This was a major milestone, and the test results demonstrate that the F-35 has a fantastic airframe,” said Mick Ord, BAE Systems’ F-35 managing director. BAE is one of Lockheed’s principal F-35 industry partners. The static tests began last August and were conducted predominantly at BAE Systems’ facility in Brough, England, using AG-1, a dedicated F-35A test aircraft. The testing verified the strength and stability of the aircraft’s structure to 150 percent of its design limits, or 13.5 G’s. The F-35A is the configuration that the Air Force is buying.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.