Today, Luke AFB is contending to be one of the key training sites for the F-35 Lightning II. Also referred to as the Joint Strike Fighter or JSF, the F-35 is a next-generation fighter aircraft that will be used by the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as eight foreign militaries as the replacement for the F-16.
If awarded the F-35 training mission, Luke can anticipate seeing an infusion of $125-$150 million in construction-related projects. Much of this investment will positively impact the state’s economy with local labor and suppliers of construction material. The new mission will generate additional employment and construction jobs, wages, consumer spending and investments throughout the West Valley and state.
The F-35 mission will also bring with it decades of sustainable economic benefits, which Luke AFB provides the Valley and state of Arizona.
Arizona has the ideal climate, land, air, training ranges and facilities needed to train and fly the F-35. Securing the F-35 training mission is the next step to ensure the long-term viability of the base for the next half-century.
For more information about the F-35 Lightning II program please visit the following links:
Fingers Crossed!
CORRECTION: All Fingers Crossed!
Great looking video–Thanks!
From a critical eye: Appears Chase aircraft was flown by a rookie–his speedbrakes were deployed, even when they both were in AB. And that roll rate appears a bit sluggish–hope the production version can do a bit better…