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The impossible to make separate thread (Ghost F-35)

Griz882

Frightening children with the Griz-O-Copter!
pilot
Contributor
OK…in an effort not to start a new thread but ask a stupid question I decided to jump on the Ghost F-35 thread.

Yesterday an F-35 crashed on takeoff at ABQ, the pilot is ok and I’m not here to open any speculation on the cause. Of course the news had the typical inaccuracies but Kirkland’s PAO identified it as an Air Force F-35B on its way to Edwards. Sure enough, there are photos of the jet doing a vertical take off just before takeoff. My stupid question…Does the AF use the B model?

I assure you that this is not my required daily AW Intel deep dive required by my Chinese overlords.
 

ChuckMK23

FERS and TSP contributor!
pilot
OK…in an effort not to start a new thread but ask a stupid question I decided to jump on the Ghost F-35 thread.

Yesterday an F-35 crashed on takeoff at ABQ, the pilot is ok and I’m not here to open any speculation on the cause. Of course the news had the typical inaccuracies but Kirkland’s PAO identified it as an Air Force F-35B on its way to Edwards. Sure enough, there are photos of the jet doing a vertical take off just before takeoff. My stupid question…Does the AF use the B model?

I assure you that this is not my required daily AW Intel deep dive required by my Chinese overlords.

GOxGubTX0AA1mTt
 

TacticalTater

Well-Known Member
None
OK…in an effort not to start a new thread but ask a stupid question I decided to jump on the Ghost F-35 thread.

Yesterday an F-35 crashed on takeoff at ABQ, the pilot is ok and I’m not here to open any speculation on the cause. Of course the news had the typical inaccuracies but Kirkland’s PAO identified it as an Air Force F-35B on its way to Edwards. Sure enough, there are photos of the jet doing a vertical take off just before takeoff. My stupid question…Does the AF use the B model?

I assure you that this is not my required daily AW Intel deep dive required by my Chinese overlords.
Last I read USMC has refused F35 deliveries due to issues with the jets and LMCO fort worth is starting to look like Boeing Renton with jets stacked everywhere. I don't think they have delivered a jet since last July. Word on the AF site is this was a DCMA pilot doing delivery so possibly going to Edward's for test. (My speculation)

BTW all this is open source.

 

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Hair Warrior

Well-Known Member
Contributor
That doesn’t bode well for the Marines to resume B deliveries.

“DCMA pilot” - I wonder if they are military pilots on some shore tour to DCMA, or GS civilians who were likely once military pilots.
 

Gatordev

Well-Known Member
pilot
Site Admin
Contributor
I guess it didn't pass the test. Too soon?

“DCMA pilot” - I wonder if they are military pilots on some shore tour to DCMA, or GS civilians who were likely once military pilots.

DCMA billets are shore tours for military pilots. On the helo side, there aren't very many, so if there's a batch of birds that need to be delivered, fleet pilots will be sent to go pick up the aircraft and accept them. Otherwise the DCMA guys do it.
 

ChuckMK23

FERS and TSP contributor!
pilot
I guess it didn't pass the test. Too soon?



DCMA billets are shore tours for military pilots. On the helo side, there aren't very many, so if there's a batch of birds that need to be delivered, fleet pilots will be sent to go pick up the aircraft and accept them. Otherwise the DCMA guys do it.
Current listing


1717079119907.png

Guessing in support of Singapore F-35
 

Gatordev

Well-Known Member
pilot
Site Admin
Contributor
I can't remember if they are also augmented by GS billets (that would make sense) on the helo side, but the actual AD billets are for shore tour JOs (plus whatever cat and dog leadership billets exist).

I think EODDave's sunset tour was also a DCMA billet here in Jax, but I could be remembering incorrectly.
 
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