Lockheed Martin F-35A completes first night refuelling

The first night refuelling in the history of the Lockheed Martin F-35 programme was completed recently at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Piloted by US Air Force Lt Colonel Peter Vitt, AF-4, an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant, rendezvoused with an Air Force KC-135 tanker and successfully received fuel through the F-35's boom receptacle. Vitt's sortie lasted more than three hours. In addition to qualifying with the KC-135, the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base will also conduct night refuelling tests with the KC-10.