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104th Fighter Wing performs first unrestricted vertical takeoff in F-35A Lightning II
The 104th Fighter Wing performs their first unrestricted vertical takeoff with the F-35A Lightning II, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Mass., September 4, 2026. Performing and training for unrestricted vertical takeoffs enables the wing to rapidly launch combat-ready fighters without r
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The 104th Fighter Wing performs their first unrestricted vertical takeoff with the F-35A Lightning II, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Mass., September 4, 2026.
Performing and training for unrestricted vertical takeoffs enables the wing to rapidly launch combat-ready fighters without relying on traditional runways, ensuring pilots can maintain air superiority in any potential scenario.
(U.S. Air National Guard video by Jay Hewitt)
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Attribution: Source: DVIDS Hub — U.S. Department of Defense public-affairs media
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