Can The F-35 Dogfight?

Can The F-35 Dogfight?

Former F-16 pilot Nate “Buster,” Jaros asks if the stealth and advanced technologies of the F-35 overshadow the need for nimble fighters.  What he says might surprise you. Everyone knows that the F-4 Phantom was originally designed without a gun. At the time it entered service in the early 1960s, the Pentagon believed that the […]

F-35 ‘miracle jet’ faces additional woes -15 F-35 models grounded due to wiring issue

F-35 ‘miracle jet’ faces additional woes -15 F-35 models grounded due to wiring issue

The impact expands further than the operational F-35 inventory, as there are 42 aircraft currently on the production line that has received parts from the same provider. That includes three three Norwegian aircraft scheduled for delivery early next year. It is unclear if those parts will need to be replaced or if other nations planes will be impacted.

A Pilot’s Watch: FighterSweep & Bremont Announce Partnership

A Pilot’s Watch: FighterSweep & Bremont Announce Partnership

After a long friendship, FighterSweep and Bremont Watch Company are proud to announce a newly formed partnership. Bremont is now the official timekeeper of Force 12 Media, FighterSweep’s parent company, and FighterSweep.com. There are few things that go together more than a pilot and his or her watch. The unmistakable flash on the left arm […]

High Threat Close Air Support (CAS): Myth or Reality?

High Threat Close Air Support (CAS): Myth or Reality?

In a recent War on the Rocks article by Col. Mike “Starbaby” Pietrucha, the author argues that using airpower in a high threat Close Air Support role is a myth and not as practical as using land based or sea based precision artillery. If you are the Air Force, what do you do when you your […]

Brexit:  Could Farnborough Set the Defense Spending Tone for Britain?

Brexit: Could Farnborough Set the Defense Spending Tone for Britain?

All eyes will turn to the Farnborough International Airshow (11-17 July) in less than two weeks. The airshow comes only days after United Kingdom voters decided to remove the UK from the European Union. The referendum, known as “Brexit”, has many defense analysts questioning how defense spending will be handled in the future. Farnborough is […]

Ejection Seat Alternative for F-35 a Possibility

Ejection Seat Alternative for F-35 a Possibility

The US Air Force is looking into the possibility of replacing the Martin-Baker ejection seat on the F-35. Defensenews.com is reporting that the United Technologies ACES 5 model is under consideration. Air Force Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch, the service’s top uniformed acquisition official, confirmed the service’s interest in the ACES 5 design. “We believe it is […]

Don’t Put All Your Eggs in the Stealth Basket

Don’t Put All Your Eggs in the Stealth Basket

There are quite a few things our Air Force requires to ensure battlespace dominance in the future. One of those things is low observable or “stealth” technology. That said, we cannot understate this obvious fact: we need another outfit in our closet besides a tuxedo. It’s typically a common-sense conversation for the majority of us, […]

First F-35’s for JASDF to Fly by Year End

First F-35’s for JASDF to Fly by Year End

Japan’s first F-35’s will be flying sorties from Luke Air Force Base by the end of 2016 according to a Lockheed Martin spokesman. The first batch of four is slated to roll off LockMart’s production line in November, with JASDF students flying missions shortly thereafter. That’s another step in the right direction for a production […]

Training To Fly The F-35 Lightning II

Training To Fly The F-35 Lightning II

FighterSweep Fans, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about the F-35 program and the associated topics. This piece we ran across is going to be a bit different, as it deals directly with the pilot training aspects. Even more unique is the fact U.S. Navy Reserve Lieutenant Kory DeFore designed the course he ultimately […]