First RAAF F-35A Airborne
 

The F-35A has just become real for the RAAF with the first flight of the 1st aircraft. Note the No 2OCU tail markings....:D

First flight for first RAAF F-35 | Australian Aviation

First RAAF F-35A Airborne
 

Surely real in this case would mean in service, and not just another partly-functional machine that is still being used in a test program that is behind on a lot of scheduled points?

Yes, of course.
But that was not the point he is making, he is just reporting the FF.


Now AU1, then AU2, go into the OT&E program at Eglin, not due back in Aus I believe until 2019.
IOC for 1st squadron has slid to 2020.

With the engine problems, I was wondering if an F35 could do the 660 miles from Fort Worth to Elgin?

AU-1 is a RAAF owned aircraft that will a/ join the testing program as stated and b/ will return in time to Oz ad one of our operational machines. Even the mighty Herc J had software upgrades after they arrived here . Nothing usual really...

Geoff Brown is happy

I don't like the colour...

Bugger the colour, at least Binnie & Co chose a sensible variant, unlike HMG.

Not going to Eglin, going to Luke...much closer!

Just give the Aussies something that does the f-111 fuel burn trick, they love that. :}:}