It was an impressive impression left by the F-35 Lightning Fighter jets as they appeared in the skies above our nation’s capital during the first week in September. (Richard Lawrence)
By Richard Lawrence
On Wednesday, September 4, one of the contenders for the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) dropped into Ottawa Airport as the United States Airforce F-35 Demonstration Team was scheduled to perform at the 2019 Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Airshow for which Lockheed Martin Canada took out title sponsorship. Capt. Andrew ‘Dojo” Olson, the F-35 Demonstration Team Commander/Pilot for the 2019 Airshow Season, used the opportunity to address the media. Capt. Olson flew the F-15E Strike Eagle prior to his duties on the F-35 where he flew missions in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan prior coming aboard the F-35 three years ago.
Lorraine Ben, Chief Executive LM Canada and Keith Knotts, F-35 Canada Campaign Lead, hold an F-35 sculpted on a propeller blade by artist Andy Armstrong.
When asked about the F-35 he said that compared to the
F-15E, the F-35 is “… an entire generation leap forward in technology.” It’s the combination of stealth and sensor fusion that makes the aircraft so advanced enabling the pilot to see everything and yet not be seen by anybody giving him/her complete control of the battlespace. The aircraft is covered in sensors looking outward at all times presenting the accumulated data to the pilot allowing him to make decisions not just for himself but for the entire four plane formation. It can then take the data from all four aircraft to create information fusion and that information can be sent out making the F-35 the quarterback of the battlespace. When asked if he trusted his life to the aircraft he said, “If I had to go into a serious conflict, this airplane for sure would be more lethal and survivable …”
He noted that there are eight partner nations involved in the F-35 development (Canada being one) and several other countries who are purchasing the jets (foreign military sales) and that makes for a “… more effective fighting force when you’re flying with your friends and … you all have the same airplane and you all speak the same language – that’s F-35.”
Capt. Olson summed up his opinion of the aircraft when he said, “You’re just King Kong out there. You’re just untouchable.
Photo one: When the two USAF F-35 aircraft touched down at Ottawa International airport on Wednesday 4 September, former CFL quarterback turned sportscaster, Henry Burris was on hand to greet the pilots. Captain Andrew ‘Dojo’ Olson (right) described the F-35 as the “quarterback of the battlefield”. (Richard Lawrence)
Photo two: Renowned Toronto artist David Arrigo was on site during the Gatineau airshow painting a tribute to the F-35. His finished product appears on the inside back cover of this publication. (Richard Lawrence)
Photo three: Many onlookers were astonished to get their first glimpse of the F-35 fighter jets. Veteran Canadian Press defence reporter Lee Berthiaume tweeted “After writing about it for nearly a decade, I can now say I’ve seen an F-35 in real life.” (Richard Lawrence)
