USAF F-35 training picks up pace

US Air Force pilots are training on new simulators at Hill Air Force Base in preparation for the start of F-35 Lightning II operations, Lockheed Martin announced on 1 December.

The Full Mission Simulators form the centrepiece of the F-35 Training System, providing a secure, realistic environment for pilots to develop tactics as a complement to live flights. 

Over 190 suppliers contribute to the training system.

The 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base is the first operational F-35A squadron and will reach combat readiness in August 2016.

To date, 143 pilots and 846 maintainers for the air force have qualified through the F-35 Training System – figures set to rise to more than 190 and 1,000 respectively by August 2016.

Lt. Col. George Watkins, 34th Fighter Squadron Commander, said: ‘The F-35 is going to be an incredible advancement in our capability as an air force, and the Full Mission Simulators present an environment to adequately challenge our pilots as they prepare for combat.’

Mary Ann Horter, vice president of F-35 Sustainment Support at Lockheed Martin, added: ‘All the pieces of the technology puzzle are coming together to support the air force’s F-35 mission readiness. Airmen at Hill Air Force Base are launching the future of aviation, and our focus is supporting them with the most effective training and logistics technologies.’