Established 1998

ADF-SERIALS

Australian New Zealand & Papua New Guinea Military Aircraft Serials & History
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 This site is devoted to providing as complete a record as possible of aircraft operated by the ADF, NZDF & PNGDF.
Included where known are brief summaries of the history and current status of aircraft employed in Australian New Zealand & PNG Military Service.

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ADF-SERIALS
Australian & New Zealand Military Aircraft Serials & History

RAAF A35 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II

 
 

F-35A A35-001

 
 

F-35 Lightning II Image Gallery
     
  The Lockheed Martin F-35A is being purchased under Project AIR 6000 for the RAAF to replace the F/A18A/B fleet by 2022. The aircraft had also been considered as an F-111 replacement, but an interim purchase of F/A18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler has fulfilled that requirement for the time being and and it remains to be seen whether the RAAF will ultimately operate a mixed fleet of F-35s and Super Hornets/Growlers or operate an F-35 only fleet in the future.

Australia initially committed to 14 F-35A aircraft for initial work up and training at Luke AFB, Arizona, USA before ultimately being delivered to RAAF Base Williamtown.

From December 2014 until January 2021, the majority of RAAF aircrew and maintainers undertook training with the 56th Fighter Wing, 944th Fighter Wing, 61st FS, 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit and Lockheed Martin in the USA.

On 23 April 2014 , an order for a further 58 F-35A's (to a total of 72 airframes) was announced as part of Phase 2A/2B of Project AIR 6000 to create a total of three operational squadrons - two at RAAF Base Williamtown and one at RAAF Base Tindal - and a training squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Phase 7 (Previously 2c) of Project AIR 6000 will consider an additional purchase of around 24-30 further airframes to form a fourth operational squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, for a total of about 96 to 102 F-35A's.

In December 2020, the RAAF declared that the F-35 had achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the planned withdrawal of the F/A-18A/B fleet planned for 2021/22 and Full Operational Capability (FOC) in 2023.

Service adoption of the F-35 is proceeding and the current status is as follows:

  • Initial aircraft deliveries of RAAF F-35A aircraft were to  Luke AFB, Arizona, USA to operate as in an international pool in the Integrated Training Center as part of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Tactical Training Wing, USAF,
  • 2 OCU started bringing it's aircraft to Australia in 2019 ahead of the initially planned 2020,
  • 3 SQN has its full complement of aircraft at Williamtown and achieved IOC in December 2020,
  • 77 SQN commenced re-equipment in 2021,
  • 75 SQN commenced re-equipment in 2022,
  • Final deliveries of the RAAF's planned purchase of 72 aircraft will conclude in 2023.
  
     
 
Serial Number.. Const/No. USAF.Serial Aircraft History
A35-000 N/A N/A DSTO constructed "Iron Bird" model for testing under simulated electromagnetic interference conditions during the acquisition and through-life sustainment of the JSF.
Unveiled at DSTO Edinburgh 07 March 2014.

Highlight for Album: "F-35A" A35-000
A35-001 AU-1 12-5060 24/07/2013 Construction finished at Fort Worth, Texas.
29/09/2014 First Flight.
24/11/2014 with 61st FS USAF at Luke AFB (Combined training unit).
27/02/2017 Arrived in Australia for the first time at RAAF Amberley.
03/03/2017 arrived at and on display at Avalon Airshow, in 2 OCU markings. A35-001 and A35-002 flew from the USA to Australia to attend the Australian International Airshow and then returned to the USA to resume duties at the 61st FS USAF.
06/11/2020 Arrived back in Australia at RAAF Williamtown.
16/04/2024 Still in 2 OCU markings.
A35-002 AU-2 12-5061 24/07/2013 Construction finished at Fort Worth, Texas.
01/10/2014 First Flight.
18/12/2014 Delivered to 61st FS USAF at Luke AFB (Combined training unit).
27/02/2017 Arrived in Australia for the first time at RAAF Amberley.
03/03/2017 arrived at and on display at Avalon Airshow, in 2 OCU markings. A35-001 and A35-002 flew from the USA to Australia to attend the Australian International Airshow and then returned to the USA to resume duties at the 61st FS USAF.
06/11/2020 Arrived back in Australia at RAAF Williamtown.
A35-003 AU-3 15-5211

Sourced from Lot 10 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase.
November 2017 Revealed wearing 3 Squadron tail markings.
31/12/2017 First Flight.
10/04/2018 Delivered to 61 FS USAF. Luke AFB, Arizona.
11/12/2019 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown in 3 Sqn markings.
Apparently damaged in an incident with a gate at RAAF Williamtown. Do you have more info?
A35-004 AU-4 15-5212 14/12/2017 First Flight. Wearing markings of 2 OCU.
10/04/2018 Delivered to 61 FS USAF. Luke AFB, Arizona.
06/11/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown in 2 OCU markings.
30/10/2023 noted in 2 OCU markings at Archerfield QLD.
A35-005 AU-5 15-5213 23/01/2018 First Flight. Wearing markings of 2 OCU.
10/04/2018 Delivered to 61 FS USAF. Luke AFB, Arizona.
11/12/2019 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown in 2 OCU markings.
21/04/2023 Noted at Williamtown in 2OCU markings.
A35-006 AU-6 15-5214 27/06/2018 noted at Luke AFB, Arizona.
06/11/2020 Arrived in Australia at RAAF Williamtown.
07/11/2023 noted in 2 OCU markings.
A35-007 AU-7 15-5215 02/07/2018 First Flight.
06/11/2020 Arrived in Australia at RAAF Williamtown in 2 OCU markings.
06/12/2020 Noted in Canberra in 2 OCU markings.
A35-008 AU-8 15-5216 11/12/2019 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown in 3 Sqn markings.
A35-009 AU-9 15-5217 .
A35-010 AU-10 15-5218 .
A35-011 AU-11 17-5294 .
A35-012 AU-12 17-5295 .
A35-013 AU-13 17-5296 11/12/2019 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown in 2 OCU markings.
A35-014 AU-14 17-5297 Sourced from Lot 11 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
15/03/2019 First Flight,
Delivered to 61 FS, Luke AFB, Arizona.
11/12/2019 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown in 2 OCU markings.
A35-015 AU-15 17-5298
A35-016 AU-16 17-5299 Sourced from Lot 11 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 3 SQN Markings,
??/07/2019 First Flight,
02/08/2019 Delivered to 61 FS, Luke AFB, Arizona
10/09/2019 Arrived RAAF Williamtown after ferry from Luke AFB, Arizona.
A35-017 AU-17 17-5300 Sourced from Lot 11 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 3 SQN Markings,
??/09/2019 First Flight,
??/09/2019 Delivered to 61 FS, Luke AFB, Arizona.
11/12/2019 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown in 3 Sqn markings.
A35-018 AU-18 17-5301 Sourced from Lot 11 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 3 SQN Markings,
??/09/2019 First Flight,
??/09/2019 Delivered to 61 FS, Luke AFB, Arizona.
11/12/2019 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown in 3 Sqn markings.
A35-019 AU-19 18-5390 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Noted as flying at Fort Worth 11/12/2019 & 31/01/2020,
Delivered in 3 SQN Markings,
11/04/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown from Luke AFB (Easter Saturday),
A35-020 AU-20 18-5391 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
 Noted as flying at Fort Worth 08/12/2019 & 31/01/2020,
Delivered in 3 SQN Markings,
11/04/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown from Luke AFB (Easter Saturday),
A35-021 AU-21 18-5392 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 3 SQN Markings,
 Noted as flying at Fort Worth 11/12/2019, 24/01/2020 & 31/01/2020,
??/03/2020 Delivered to RAAF Williamtown,
A35-022 AU-22 18-5393 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 3 SQN Markings,
31/01/2020 Noted as flying at Fort Worth
??/03/2020 Delivered to RAAF Williamtown.
26/01/2023 noted in 3 Sqn markings.
A35-023 AU-23 18-5394 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 3 SQN Markings,
??/03/2020 Noted as flying at Fort Worth,
11/07/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA,
A35-024 AU-24 18-5395 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
 Noted as flying at Fort Worth 12/03/2020,
 15/07/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA,
A35-025 AU-25 18-5396 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
08/04/2020 Noted as flying at Fort Worth.
10/07/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA.
28/02/2023 Note still in 2OCU markings at Amberley QLD.
A35-026 AU-26 18-5397 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
23/04/2020 Noted as flying at Fort Worth,
 15/07/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA,
A35-027 AU-27 18-5398 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
17/07/2020 Noted as flying at Fort Worth
06/11/2020 Arrived at RAAF Amberley (on diversion from planned landing at RAAF Williamtown) ex USA,
07/11/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown
06/12/2020 Noted in Canberra in 2 OCU markings.
A35-028 AU-28 18-5399 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
08/07/2020 Noted as flying at Fort Worth,
14/11/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA,
A35-029 AU-29 18-5400 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 75 SQN Markings,
04/08/2020 Noted as flying at Fort Worth.
 07/11/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA,
03/12/2021 Arrive at RAAF Tindal in 75 Sqn markings.
A35-030 AU-30 18-5401 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered without unit Markings,
24/07/2020 Noted as flying at Fort Worth,
14/11/2020 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA,
A35-031 AU-31 18-5402 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
13/11/2020 Noted as flying at Fort Worth,
01/03/2021 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA having completed a three-day journey from the United States as part of Exercise Lightning Ferry 21-1. During Exercise Lightning Ferry 21-1, the three F-35As travelled from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, to RAAF Base Williamtown via Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii and were were supported throughout the 12,700-kilometre journey by two KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft from No. 33 Squadron and a C-17A Globemaster from No 36 Squadron.
A35-032 AU-32 18-5403 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
10/11/2020 Noted on first flight at Fort Worth,
01/03/2021 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA having completed a three-day journey from the United States as part of Exercise Lightning Ferry 21-1. During Exercise Lightning Ferry 21-1, the three F-35As travelled from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, to RAAF Base Williamtown via Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii and were were supported throughout the 12,700-kilometre journey by two KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft from No. 33 Squadron and a C-17A Globemaster from No 36 Squadron.
A35-033 AU-33 18-5404 Sourced from Lot 12 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
Noted as flying in January 2021,
01/03/2021 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA having completed a three-day journey from the United States as part of Exercise Lightning Ferry 21-1. During Exercise Lightning Ferry 21-1, the three F-35As travelled from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, to RAAF Base Williamtown via Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii and were were supported throughout the 12,700-kilometre journey by two KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft from No. 33 Squadron and a C-17A Globemaster from No 36 Squadron.
A35-034 AU-34 19-5507 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
Noted as flying in on 22 February 2021,
A35-035 AU-35 19-5508 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 77 Squadron Markings,
06/03/2021 First Flight on 06 March 2021,
A35-036 AU-36 19-5509 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 77 Squadron Markings,
First Flight on 15 March 2021 (Without Unit Markings).
A35-037 AU-37 19-5510 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 77 Squadron Markings,
20/03/2021 First Flight on 20 March 2021,
06/05/2021 Arrived at RAAF Williamtown ex USA, in 77 Sqn markings.
A35-038 AU-38 19-5511 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 77 Squadron Markings,
26/04/2021 First Flight.
21/04/2023 Noted at Williamtown in 77 Sqn markings.
A35-039 AU-39 19-5512 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Delivered in 77 Squadron Markings,
03/05/2021 First Flight on 03 May 2021,
A35-040 AU-40 19-5513 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
02/06/2021 First Flight,
Delivered in 77 Squadron Markings,
15/09/2021 Arrived at Williamtown on delivery from the USA in 2 OCU markings.
A35-041 AU-41 19-5514

Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
15/06/2021 Noted as flying on 15 June 2021,
Delivered in 77 Squadron Markings,
15/09/2021 Arrived at Williamtown on delivery from the USA in 2 OCU markings.
26/06/2024 Note in 77 Sqn markings.
A35-042 AU-42 19-5515 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
20/11/2021 Delivered to RAAF Williamtown in 77 Squadron Markings,
03/12/2021 Arrive at RAAF Tindal in 75 Sqn markings.
A35-043 AU-43 19-5516 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
09/11/2021 First Flight,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
A35-044 AU-44 19-5517 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Noted as flying on 08/09/2021 without unit markings,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
20/11/2021 Arrived at Williamtown on delivery from the USA in 2 OCU markings.
A35-045 AU-45 19-5518 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
Noted as flying in on 15 October 2021,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
20/11/2021 Arrived at Williamtown on delivery from the USA in 2 OCU markings.
A35-046 AU-46 19-5519 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
21/12/2021 First Flight,
Noted as flying in on 11 December 2021,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
A35-047 AU-47 19-5520 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
21/12/2021 First Flight,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings.
30/10/2023 noted in 2 OCU markings at Archerfield QLD.
A35-048 AU-48 19-5521 Sourced from Lot 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
07/01/2022 First Flight,
Noted flying without unit markings
A35-049 AU-49 20-5630 Sourced from Lot 14 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
18/04/2021 Noted on test flight NAS Fort Worth,
Delivered in 2 OCU Markings,
A35-050 AU-50 20-5631 Sourced from Lot 14 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase.
14/04/2022 First Flight.
Delivered in 77 SQN Markings,
A35-051 AU-51 20-5632 Sourced from Lot 14 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
26/04/2022 First Flight,
Delivered in 77 SQN Markings,
A35-052 AU-52 20-5633 Sourced from Lot 14 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
13/05/2022 First Flight,
Delivered in 77 SQN Markings,
A35-053 AU-53 20-5634 Sourced from Lot 14 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
??/0?/2022 First Flight,
Delivered in 77 SQN Markings,
A35-054 AU-54 20-5635 Sourced from Lot 14 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
??/06/2022 First Flight,
Delivered in 77 SQN Markings,
A35-055 AU-55 20-5636 Sourced from Lot 15 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
On Order: For Delivery in FY21/22.
A35-056 AU-56 20-5637 Sourced from Lot 15 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
On Order: For Delivery in FY21/22.
A35-057 AU-57 20-5638 Sourced from Lot 15 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
On Order: For Delivery in FY21/22.
A35-058 AU-58 20-5639 Sourced from Lot 15 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
20/02/2023 Noted at Adelaide in 75 Sqn markings.
A35-059 AU-59 20-5640 Sourced from Lot 15 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
On Order: For Delivery in FY21/22.
A35-060 AU-60 20-5641 Sourced from Lot 15 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
On Order: For Delivery in FY21/22.
A35-061 AU-61 20-5642 Sourced from Lot 15 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
On Order: For Delivery in FY21/22.
A35-062 AU-62 20-5643 Sourced from Lot 15 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
On Order: For Delivery in FY21/22.
A35-063 AU-63 20-5644 Sourced from Lot 15 low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase,
On Order: For Delivery in FY22/23.
A35-064 AU-64 TBA On Order: For Delivery in FY22/23.
A35-065 AU-65 TBA On Order: For Delivery in FY22/23.
A35-066 AU-66 TBA On Order: For Delivery in FY22/23.
A35-067 AU-67 TBA On Order: For Delivery in FY22/23.
A35-068 AU-68 TBA On Order: For Delivery in FY22/23.
A35-069 AU-69 TBA On Order: For Delivery in FY22/23.
A35-070 AU-70 TBA On Order: For Delivery in FY22/23.
A35-071 AU-71 TBA On Order: For Delivery in FY22/23.
A35-072 AU-72 TBA On Order: For Delivery in FY22/23.
 
     
 

Highlight for Album: F-35A mock up

  
     

The Authors of this page are Brendan Cowan and Darren Crick.

Sources: http://www.lockheedmartin.com.au/, http://www.airforce.gov.au/ , http://www.defence.gov.au/; Australian Aviation Magazine, http://www.f-16.net/; http://www.f35evolution.com.au/ , www.defensenews.com , http://www.adastron.com/lockheed/lightning-II/f-35.htm , https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/three-new-lightnings-touch-down ,

Emails: Martin Edwards, Batman, Gordon Birkett, Andy Marden, Phil Thompson, Mike Louey, Greg Hyde, Jochem Manders/Scramble, Stephen Balwin.

Updated 28th July 2024