F-35 AA-1 at Edwards - Mid May - Mid June 2008

[Midnight Mover]

  Maybe we get to see one at the open house Static and guarded to the hilt I'm sure

[gfydad]

Here's how it's listed in the latest press release....

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Edwards Air Force Base air show and open house will unveil its new name Oct 17.  For the first time in Edwards open house history the base is adopting a slogan that will serve it this year and for many decades in the future. 

The slogan "Flight Test Nation" makes its inaugural flight this year as Edwards honors the 50th anniversary of the X-15.  This slogan heralds not only the base's heritage but the heritage it shares with our neighbors in nearby Lancaster, Palmdale and Kern County.

            Headlining with the Golden Knights, the Army's award winning precision parachute free fall team, and ending up with Tora Tora Tora, one of the air show industries best flight demonstration teams, the overall air show offers non-stop thrills for young and old.

            As always, both entry and parking are free.  The only expense one needs to be prepared for is the purchase of food, snacks and souvenirs.

            Gates open 7 a.m. and flying begins at approximately 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  The open house is slated to close at 6 p.m. so guests have ample time to enjoy static displays.

            Features for this year will include the F-35, F-22A, B-2, B-52, B-1, and B-17.  Air Combat Command's F-22, F-16 Heritage Flight and A-10 demonstration teams will provide performances along with over a dozen other performers. 

This will be the only open house in the world to display both a mock up and program description of the X-51A Wave Rider.  The X-51A represents the newest innovation in hypersonic flight and its testing now at Edwards.  We will feature the Test Pilot School aircraft aerial review.  Flight Test Nation is one of the few places one can see all of the Air Force's bombers fly together in formation.   

There are more than 40 static displays.  Both the list of performers and static displays will grow as we get closer to the open house.  However, acts and other items can always change, so be sure to check our web page at www.edwards.af.mil.   Additionally, we will provide routine notices to keep the public informed of changes and other things they need to know.       

[Midnight Mover]

COOL

[f4_phantom_fan]

Here is the response I received from John Haire at Edwards today (I'd asked him whether or not it would be the mockup or real deal).

"Well things can always change but we're aiming to have the real McCoy."