The US Air Force is preparing to lift the lower wight limit for pilots to fly the F-35 aircraft in April. The regulations and tests on the F-35 ejection seat and helmet are almost completed. After the final test in March, US Air Force engineers and airworthiness experts will prepare a final report. The F-35's US16E model ejection seat manufacturer Martin-Baker will press ahead to certifying a second ejection seat as a precaution against potential risks.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)