From a Cute & Cuddly Kitten, to a “Panther” FB

From a Cute & Cuddly Kitten, to a “PANTHER” Nobody Dare tangle with …

Here’s where it all starts, all cute and cuddly, minus the razor sharp claws …
(BONUS: If you have 7 minutes o’ FUN to spare >>> go to the bottom of this page <<< turn up your device volume and PRESS PLAY 🙂

Photo Above: A happy and excited panther kitten!

To This …

Photo Above: A F-35A … Screaming By!

What’s up with the “Panther” tie-in?

“It’s Viper for the F-16, Warthog for the A-10, Moose for the C-17, Rhino for the F-4, and the list goes on. The USAF, along with the other services, have long histories of giving their combat aircraft new names, oftentimes of the animal kingdom variety, after the planes had already received their official monikers. This was near certain to be the case for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter once it was assigned the less than thrilling official name of Lightning II. Now it’s become clear that a new name has caught on for the stealth jet among the top echelons the USAF’s F-35 cadre, and that nickname is ‘Panther.'” – Rogoway

Source: Rogoway, T. (2018, May 17). The Air Force’s Elite Weapons School Has Given The F-35 A New Nickname. The Drive. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/20914/the-f-35-has-a-new-nickname-given-to-it-by-the-usafs-most-elite-pilots

And Finally, This …

Freedom’s “Loud & Proud” Thunder Returns Houston!

The United States Air Force is sending their F-35A Lightning II >> FULL DEMO << to CAF Wings Over Houston on October 9,10, & 11 at Ellington Airport. Come out to the show and witness this fifth-generation technological marvel. This is one that you, your family, and friends … don’t want to miss!

Here’s a little info about the F-35A and DEMO PILOT to get your aviation appetite SPOOLED up for:

Mission
The F-35A is the U.S. Air Force’s latest fifth-generation fighter. It will replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II’s, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 20 years, and bring with it an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment in which it was designed to operate. With its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics, the F-35A will provide next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations.

Features
The conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A gives the U.S. Air Force and allies the power to dominate the skies – anytime, anywhere. The F-35A is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9g capable multirole fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion, and unprecedented situational awareness.

The F-35A’s advanced sensor package is designed to gather, fuse and distribute more information than any fighter in history, giving operators a decisive advantage over all adversaries. Its processing power, open architecture, sophisticated sensors, information fusion and flexible communication links make the F-35 an indispensable tool in future homeland defense, Joint and Coalition irregular warfare and major combat operations.

Captain Kristin “Beo” Wolfe
Captain Kristin Wolfe is the Commander, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The mission of the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration team is to showcase the unique aerial capabilities of the Air Force’s most advanced 5th generation multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35A Lightning II, as well as highlight the history of the Air Force’s service through heritage formation flights. Additionally, she provides operational oversight and direction for the 13-personnel team, to include maintenance, aircrew flight equipment, and public affairs Airmen.

Captain Wolfe entered the Air Force in 2011 after receiving her commission from the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program at the University of Alabama. Captain Wolfe is an experienced fighter pilot with more than 800 flying hours in the F-22A Raptor and F-35A Lightning II. Her flying assignments include Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin AFB, Texas, and fighter training in the F-22A at Langley AFB, Va., and operational assignments at Langley AFB, Va., and Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

Captain Wolfe is joined by an extraordinary team of Officers and Enlisted personnel from Hill Air Force Base that make the F-35A Demo possible.

Additional Photo & Info Sources:

• https://www.doi.gov
• https://www.388fw.acc.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/2098569/captain-kristin-beo-wolfe/
• https://www.luke.af.mil/F-35-Demo-Team
• U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook
• McLaren Speedtail vs F35 Fighter Jet | Top Gear (YouTube Video)

Last but not least, from our Brit friends across the pond. Check out the crazy-pants video below. And we quote, “It Just Looks Like an Engine … with a Person Strapped to the Front of It!”

Credit: McLaren Speedtail vs F35 Fighter Jet | Top Gear (YouTube)