Pilots from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron were the first operational unit to fire the F-35A’s 25 mm cannon in a strafing run during training. The two-ship formation fired on two sets of ground targets on the Utah Test and Training range Aug. 13. Loading and firing the cannon was one of the few capabilities Airmen in the 388th and 419th FWs had yet to demonstrate. The F-35A’s internal cannon allows the aircraft to maintain stealth against air adversaries as well as fire more accurately on ground targets, giving pilots more tactical flexibility.
U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar
You've reached your daily free article limit.
Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.
Pilots from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron were the first operational unit to fire the F-35A’s 25 mm cannon in a strafing run during training. The two-ship formation fired on two sets of ground targets on the Utah Test and Training range Aug. 13. Loading and firing the cannon was one of the few capabilities Airmen in the 388th and 419th FWs had yet to demonstrate. The F-35A’s internal cannon allows the aircraft to maintain stealth against air adversaries as well as fire more accurately on ground targets, giving pilots more tactical flexibility.
U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar
2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Real Men Picked by Special Ops & Military Guys. Women, You Can Thank Us Later
SOFREP Daily: Christmas Market Attack Shakes Germany’s Holiday Spirit, Russian Cargo Ship Sinks After Explosion, War Overshadows Bethlehem’s Somber Christmas Eve
Navy SEAL Sniper’s New Video Game Announced: Center Mass – Streets of Ramadi
Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.
TRY 14 DAYS FREEAlready a subscriber? Log In
COMMENTS
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.