Tag Archives: Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth

On Jul. 11, 2012, F-35B BK-2 took the air from NAS Fort Worth JRB for the aircraft’s inaugural flight. Piloted by Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti, the second F-35 produced for the United Kingdom (serial number ZM136), flew a 1.4-hour maiden flight.

It will join other F-35s at the training center at Eglin AFB, Florida, later this year.

BK1, the UK’s first of three development aircraft (serial ZM135), made its inaugural test flight on Apr. 13.

Image credit: Lockheed Martin

Related Articles

• USMC F-35B first flight at Eglin Air Force Base. On the 100th anniversary of Marine Corps Aviation. (theaviationist.com)
• First F-35A sporting 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron lettering and “OT” tail code, spotted at NAS Forth Worth JRB (theaviationist.com)
• Photo: F-35B Joint Strike Fighter test aircraft doing aileron roll with asymmetric weapons load (theaviationist.com)

The following image, taken on May 17, shows the first flight of F-35A AF-17 at NAS Fort Worth JRB (Joint Reserve Base), with Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti at the controls.

The aircraft, scheduled to go to Eglin AFB, Florida, later in 2012, is the first to get the 31 TES lettering as well as the 53rd Wing’s “OT” tail code alongside the AF-18, that did not get the 31 TES lettering though.

Something new at least, in a world dominated by tedious overall gray planeswith low visibility markings.

Belonging to the Eglin’s 53 Wing, the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron is located at Edwards AFB, California. According to the Air Force website:

“The squadron evaluates the operational effectiveness and suitability of advanced ACC weapon systems by providing operations, maintenance and engineering experts to work alongside AFMC and Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center personnel. The squadron also provides early war-fighter insight and influence during developmental testing. Weapon systems currently involved in operational test and evaluation include the F-35, B-1, B-2, B-52, RQ-4 Global Hawk, and MQ-9 Reaper. Squadron personnel integrate live test results with modeling and simulation data to predict combat capabilities under realistic scenarios thereby setting the stage for tactical development in the Combat Air Forces. Results and conclusions support DoD acquisition, deployment and employment decisions.”

Time to add a new type to the list.

Photo by Carl Richards / Code One

 

Related Articles

• Foam party! Hangar fire suppression system submerges F-15, F-16 and A-10 in foam at Eglin Air Force Base (theaviationist.com)
• F-35 progress report. The year so far in review. (theaviationist.com)
• USMC F-35B first flight at Eglin Air Force Base. On the 100th anniversary of Marine Corps Aviation. (theaviationist.com)