The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.

On March 2021 the Royal Danish Air Force F-35A L-001/19-5530 c/n AP-01 fired its PW- F-135 engine for the first time. On March 8 the aircraft completed its maiden flight and was delivered to Luke Air Force base on April 7, 2021. Denmark ordered 27 F-35s with about 6 remaining at Luke Air Force base for training by the 308th FS “Emerald Knights”. The first Danish pilot completed a solo flight on January 14, 2022. The new aircraft will be based at Skrydstrup AB with the first aircraft scheduled to arrive in 2023.

Info:   Lockheed F-35A Lightning II L-001/19-5530, Royal Danish Air Force, Luke Air Force Base, 2021