Lockheed Martin has named Al Norman as its new chief test pilot for the F-35 strike fighter program. Norman, a veteran experimental test pilot for the company, replaces Jon Beesley, who retired Jan. 31. “I feel very honored and privileged to be named the F-35 chief test pilot,” said Norman in Lockheed’s release. He added, “This is a very fast-paced and challenging time for the F-35 program. I am thrilled and humbled to be working with such a tremendously talented team that spans industry and government across the world.” Norman joined Lockheed in 1999 after 23 years as an Air Force fighter pilot and test pilot. He first flew for the company on the F-22 program at Edwards AFB, Calif., as part of Edwards’ Combined Test Force. He has more than 6,000 flying hours and is also Lockheed’s chief pilot for the T-50 program.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.