As military budgets continue to be tightened it is rare to see a brand new combat aircraft flying at an air show these days. Aviation Nation 2016 bucked that trend with the presence of the USAF Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Heritage Flight Team from Luke AFB.
The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter officially entered USAF operational service in 2016. Much maligned due to difficulties with its highly advanced technology implementation, high cost and so on, I can tell you it is impressive to see them fly and be put through their paces just a little bit. The F-35A with full afterburner roaring is surprisingly loud!



















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Thanks and Merry Christmas to you too!
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Great photos and info. Which one was at Farnborough this year? Merry Christmas.
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Thanks and Merry Christmas Andy. That was the F-35B STOVL version (to fill the void left with the early retirement of RAF Harrier II’s).
https://www.f35.com/news/detail/2016-farnborough-international-airshow
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