Time savings mean cost savings in the F-35 program. Leveraging the near identical flying qualities in the aerial refueling envelopes of the F-35B short takeoff vertical landing and F-35C carrier variants allowed the F-35 Integrated Test Force team at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, to clear both variants for KC-46 operations without requiring a repeat of every single test point. 

The team released the full flight clearance in January 2022. 

This type of streamlined approach to flight test is one of the many benefits of joint programs like the F-35. Although demonstrated on what is typically considered a simple mission set in modern aerial warfare, the professionalism exhibited by the KC-46 and F-35 test teams demonstrated that despite the challenges and often long timelines inherent to the acquisition process, a properly motivated team can clear those hurdles and deliver a solid product and capability to the warfighter in a timely manner. Increased Aerial Refueling Compatibility Facilitates True Joint Environment > United States Navy > News-Stories