Latest "lightning II" stories

Air Force F-35 fighter jet crashes in Utah; pilot safely ejects

Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is investigating the mishap that destroyed the advanced fighter jet on Wednesday.

By Rachel S. Cohen

3 months ago

Maj. Kristen Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander with the 388th Fighter Wing, flies over the crowd during the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air and Space Show at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, June 25, 2022. (Senior Airman Erica Webster/Air Force)

Here’s what we know about F-35 ejection seat woes so far

Military officials won’t answer whether they’ve found the problem on any planes.

By Rachel S. Cohen and Stephen Losey

6 months ago

Air Force grounds F-35As as ejection seat issue threatens fighter jets worldwide

Air Combat Command aims to finish checking its F-35As for faulty ejection seats by mid-October.

By Rachel S. Cohen

6 months ago

Air Force to upgrade F-35A gas tanks to weather lightning strikes

Lightning struck an F-35A in midair in an undisclosed incident on Aug. 3, 2021, Air Force Times has learned.

By Rachel S. Cohen

12 months ago

Jet ejection seat, breathing system oversight strengthened in defense bill

The provisions of the defense policy bill aim to prevent further deaths and injuries among military pilots.

By Rachel S. Cohen

14 months ago

F-35 helmets that fix ‘green glow’ are on their way — but not to the Air Force

Aviators first reported green glow was an issue on the F-35 in 2012.

By Rachel S. Cohen

14 months ago