65th Aggressor Squadron Re-established At Nellis AFB With F-35A

[RAFEngO74to09]

65th AGRS previously operated the F-15C/D - disbanded September 2014 after Obama Adminstration failed to fund it in FY2015.

Draken contracted to fill the void until June 2022.

Special distinctive color scheme.

https://www.thedrive.com/uploads/2022/06/09/F-35-Aggressor-Nellis.jpg?auto=webp&auto=webp&optimize=high&quality=70&width=1440

Article here:
First F-35 Aggressor Dedicated To Replicating Chinese Threats Unveiled (thedrive.com) (https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/air-force-unveils-first-f-35-aggressors-dedicated-to-chinese-threats)

[RAFEngO74to09]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/image_625d362ae257d89c455cf6b310669a99ffeafbcd.png

[uxb99]

No digital camo?

[Lima Juliet]

Painted to look like a JC-31

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x337/image_5f9a0fd789d2901ffadd2c47a82b7fe5a628db2a.jpeg

[RAFEngO74to09]

https://twitter.com/ACC_Commander/status/1535413787838275585

[Big Pistons Forever]

Be interesting to see what availability rate the F 35 will have. I think most of the “aggression” in this squadron will be techs swearing at Lockheed for producing an un-maintainable airplane

Q: What does it mean when 5 of the 6 F 35’s in the hangar are up on jacks ?

A: They have run out of jacks…..

[LateArmLive]

Be interesting to see what availability rate the F 35 will have. I think most of the “aggression” in this squadron will be techs swearing at Lockheed for producing an un-maintainable airplane

It's had the highest serviceability rate of any aircraft I've flown in the last 15 years, but don't let that fact get in the way of your agenda...

[Bob Viking]

What the hell do you think you’re doing? You should know better. You don’t come on here spouting actual facts based on relevant and current information. I’m disappointed in you.

BV
😎

[Big Pistons Forever]

LAL, the US IG doesn’t seem to share your belief in the serviceability record for the F35. If your squadron techs can keep the airplane flying, then I applaud their skill and resourcefulness as I am sure you do.

Your experience does not seem typical for this airplane as reported by numerous sources.

[DuckDodgers]

But but we all know the 0.76M wonder jet was the answer to the aggressor problem. Oh, hang on a minute……….

[Lonewolf_50]

But but we all know the 0.76M wonder jet was the answer to the aggressor problem. Oh, hang on a minute………. Do you think they should have used F-22s instead?

[Ewan Whosearmy]

It's had the highest serviceability rate of any aircraft I've flown in the last 15 years, but don't let that fact get in the way of your agenda...

What was the best rate of any of the aircraft you flew in the last 15 years, and which aircraft was it?

[DuckDodgers]

Do you think they should have used F-22s instead?

Nope, but non-combat coded F-35s and the additional Block 42s from the TASS add much more effect than either the aforementioned 0.76M jet and Cyrano IV equipped F1s.

[LateArmLive]

What was the best rate of any of the aircraft you flew in the last 15 years, and which aircraft was it?
I thought it was clear from my post I was talking about the F35?

[Ewan Whosearmy]

I thought it was clear from my post I was talking about the F35?

OK. What was the next best?

[SpazSinbad]

65th Aggressor F-35A Form - YouTube

[SpazSinbad]

USAF Doesn't Expect New Aggressor F-35s' Camo to Interfere With Stealth - Air Force Magazine (https://www.airforcemag.com/usaf-new-camouflage-paint-for-f-35-aggressors-doesnt-interfere-with-stealth/)

"...“While the application of the alternate paint is a first, we do not anticipate it will have any adverse impacts on the F-35’s low-observable properties,” the spokesperson said. “The alternate paint can be removed at any time to return our aircraft to the original configuration.”However, he later added, “Further testing will be required to discern if there is a difference in the low-observable properties. A standard Air Force aircraft paint was used for the paint scheme, and [Lockheed Martin] engineers approved the use and process of paint application.”

A Lockheed Martin spokesperson said the company was “not involved in selecting or applying the paint.”

Since the first F-35s began coming off the production line, with the exception of national insignia, all F-35 aircraft have had the same finish, although a production line change from a few years ago replaced the light-gray raised material over some panel lines with material of a darker color. Lockheed Martin has explained that the gray-on-gray finish results from the special materials, paint, and coatings required to achieve a low-observable effect. Some of these coatings have a dull, flat appearance, while others are somewhat more glossy. The finish around panel lines is different, for example, from finishes on dielectric surfaces, such as the radome and leading edges. Under certain lighting conditions and from some angles, the underlying silver metallic sheen of the F-35 shines through.

However, the camouflage on the 65th’s aggressor F-35s is limited and does not cover the entire aircraft. No camouflage has been applied to the underside of the jets...."

[Stitchbitch]

OK. What was the next best?

Harrier? I Claim my £10! But which is the most comfortable?