The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb
agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and
Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional
external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the
F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the
USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.
The 412th TW (Test Wing) is assigned to the USAF Test Center at Edwards AFB, California. The
squadron was inactivated on August 5, 1994 because of the reduction in training on the F-15 at
Luke AFB. However on October 23, 2006 the 412 TW was re-designated the 461 FLTS (Flight
Test Squadron) and October 27, 2006 the squadron was reactivated at Edwards AFB as part of
the 412 Operations Group, Air Force Materiel Command. Their primary goal is flight testing the
F-35 Lightning II.
Length: 8.5 inch
Width: 5.75 inch