PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - F-35 Cancelled, then what ?
View Single Post
Old 1st May 2013, 13:37
  #2187 (permalink)  
melmothtw
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: The back of beyond
Posts: 2,131
Received 173 Likes on 89 Posts
Presumably 'squadron A' will be the OCU? That's quite a big OCU for such a small number on the frontline, isn't it?

Reading the full story, the plan is that, in 2014, BK-1, BK-2, and BK-4 will stand up as 17 (Fighter) Squadron at Edwards AFB for OT&E duties.

In 2016, 'Squadron A' will be stood up, comprising the 14 F-35Bs currently being approved plus BK-3. This unit will initially be located at Beaufort Pilot Training Center at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina.

In April 2018, 'Squadron A' will transfer its aircraft and personnel back to RAF Marham in Norfolk as the UK's inaugural F-35B unit, and in December 2018 the UK will declare initial operating capability - land (IOC - Land) for its F-35B force. 17 (F) Sqn will remain at Edwards AFB.

An operational conversion unit is expected to be stood up at RAF Marham in 2019.

Last edited by melmothtw; 1st May 2013 at 13:39.
melmothtw is offline