Lockheed Martin marked completion of the first F-35 Lightning II Full Mission Simulators at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, in early October. Two of six planned simulators have been installed on site and will allow pilot familiarization and transition training scenarios to begin later this year. Approximately fifty percent of the core syllabus flights for the F-35 program can be accomplished in the simulator. The sim includes a high-fidelity 360-degree visual display system and accurately replicates all F-35 sensors and weapons deployment. Five F-35 squadrons and one operational test and evaluation squadron will be based at Yuma. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) will be the first operational F-35 squadron on station.
