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First Vermont Air Guard F-35A Lightning Jet Flies From Lockheed Martin Facility in Ft. Worth

August 2, 2019 David Cenciotti F-35, Military Aviation 0 Comments

The first F-35 destined to the VT ANG takes off on Jul. 31, 2019. (Image credit: VT ANG)

The first F-35A for the “Green Mountain Boys” is also the first Lightning II for the U.S. Air National Guard.

The first F-35A Lightning II destined to the Vermont Air National Guard made its first flight from Lockheed Martin Ft. Worth facility, Texas, on Jul. 31, 2019.

The aircraft, AF17-5265, is the first of 20 stealth jets that will be taken on charge by the 158th Fighter Wing at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Burlington, Vermont, starting in September 2019: the unit is slated to be equipped with 18 aircraft and two reserve aircraft.

The “Green Mountain Boys” have ceased their F-16C/D Block 30 operations on Apr. 6, 2019, after flying the “Viper” (as the aircraft is dubbed in the fighter pilots community) for 33 years.

Another shot of the F-35A departing Ft. Worth on its inaugural flight with the VT ANG markings. (Image credit: VT ANG)

As the unit prepares to operate their first 5th generation aircraft, local residents are still opposing the basing of the F-35s at Burlington because of concerns related to the “dangers” associated with the jet (including the exposure to the increased noise generated by the Joint Strike Fighter.)