Currently totally retired. Prior to that I was the Eglin AFB, FL Government Special Security Officer (GSSO).
Other Comments:
After I retired from the USAF, I worked for the Dept of Energy Strategic Petroleum Reserve in New Orleans. Then onto General Motors, Detroit. Left Michigan for the sunshine of Florida. I was employed at Eglin AFB for the next 16 years and enjoy each day. Lots of former co workers here and the USAF's finest, Air Force Cops, working, living and retired in this area. Always time for a good story or two. :>)
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications StatsCentral Model Lockheed F-35A Lightning II Length 50.43 ft | 15.37 m Width 34.94 ft | 10.65 m Height 17.32 ft | 5.28 m Engine(s) 1 x Pratt & Whitney F135 F119-PW-100 turbofan generating 40,000lbs thrust with afterburn with General Electric GE F120 alternate core engine. Empty Weight 26,455 lbs | 12,000 kg MTOW 59,966 lbs | 27,200 kg Max Speed 1,200 mph | 1,931 km/h | 1,043 kts Max Range 1,367 miles | 2,200 km Ceiling 50,000 ft | 15,240 m | 9.5 miles Climb Rate Not Available Hardpoints 4 (optional) Armament 1 x GAU-12/U 25mm cannon (F-35A only)
Internal Bay Provision for: 6 x AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles OR 2 x 2,000lb JDAM bombs AND 2 x AIM-120C AMRAAM missile
External Provision: Four external hardpoints for up to 5,000lbs of stores.
AIM-120 AMRAAMs can be substituted with the AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-132 ASRAAM systems. Accommodations 1
