Nobody is trumpeting the Italian F-35A crossing the Atlantic? Check out its stellar performance:
"F-35 Makes First Transatlantic Crossing"
"NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – An Italian Air Force F-35 completed the fighter jet’s first transatlantic crossing Friday, a historic event that kicks off a landmark year for the international program.
The aircraft, an Italian Air Force F-35A dubbed AL-1, touched down here Feb. 5 after a seven-hour flight from Lajes Air Base, Portugal. The plane, which began its journey from Cameri Air Base in Italy, on Tuesday, was scheduled to arrive here on Wednesday,
but was delayed due to weather and maintenance issues..."
F-35 Makes First Transatlantic Crossing
Wot? MX issues? No wonder it was accompanied by C-130s carrying SAR equipment (and presumably spares and maintainers.)
And check out this poll by FlightGlobal:
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...c-cele-421863/
Ho hum.