39
destruction of enemy air
defence (SEAD/DEAD) operations
in a contested environment.
Initially flying with Block 3I software,
the aircraft were limited to delivering GBU-
31 and GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munitions
(JDAMs), the GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided
bomb and the AIM-120C AMRAAM from
the internal stations. The follow-on Block
3F will provide full combat capabilities.
To date, the USAF has received more
than 150 aircraft that have been delivered
to five bases. The 33rd FW at Eglin AFB,
Florida and the 56th FW at Luke AFB,
Arizona, conduct type training. Testing
duties are carried out at Edwards AFB,
California, and at Nellis AFB, Nevada,
which also conducts advanced training
and tactics development. In addition, Hill
AFB is home to the first operational wing- the 388th FW, with its associated 419th
FW Air Force Reserve Command partner.
The F-35A features the Northrop
Grumman AN/APG-81 active
A STEALTH AIR FORCE