#1791A 80 Sqn, F-35A and F-35B Lightning print
Description
Squadron Prints Lithograph No 1791A - ZM148 and A35-002, F-35B Lighting and F-35A Lightning II, No. 80 Sqn RAF and No. 80 Sqn RAAF, Eglin AFB, USA.
No. 80 Squadron Royal Air Force was formed in Montrose, Scotland, on 1st August 1917 as part of the Royal Flying Corps and played an instrumental role in the aerial battles of World War I, operating Sopwith Camels on the Western Front. Between the great wars, the Squadron was re-equipped with Sopwith Snipes and Gloster Gauntlets. During World War II its pilots flew Gloster Gladiators and Hawker Hurricanes, contributing to the defence of Greece and operations in North Africa and Italy. Later in the war, No. 80 Squadron used Supermarine Spitfires in fighter sweep and bomber escort roles over France and the Low Countries, and thereafter Hawker Tempests for armed reconnaissance. The Squadron was disbanded in 1969, having also operated De Havilland Hornets and English Electric Canberras following the cessation of World War II. Royal Australian Air Force No. 80 Squadron was formed in Townsville, Queensland on 10thSeptember 1943, operating P-40 Kittyhawks and making significant contributions to the Pacific Campaign during World War II. Operating from a variety of bases across the region, it performed close air support, convoy protection and armed reconnaissance in critical operations across Papua New Guinea and Borneo, playing a vital role in the Allied efforts to secure victory in the region. The Squadron was disbanded in 1946, leaving behind a legacy of courage and skill. The Australia, Canada and United Kingdom F-35 Reprogramming Laboratory (ACURL) was established in 2014 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida to undertake a critical mission: the development and delivery of Mission Data Files (MDF) to unlock Australia, the United Kingdom and allied nations’ F-35 Lightning II capabilities. MDFs are integral to the aircraft’s advanced sensor fusion, enabling and enhancing unparalleled situational awareness, survivability and lethality. With personnel drawn from the RAF, RAAF and Royal Navy working alongside U.S. civilians, the unit has delivered agile, responsive reprogramming to support operations and exercises worldwide. Having produced its first MDF in 2018, subsequent achievements include contributing to UK and Australian F-35 Initial Operating Capability (IOC) declarations and supporting combat sorties during Op SHADER in Iraq and Syria, as well as Op FORTIS and Op SCORPIOUS. On 15th April 2024, ACURL was presented with the No. 80 Squadron numberplates from both the RAF and RAAF, marking a significant milestone in the storied histories of both squadrons and highlighting the integrated nature of the unit and the importance of its shared mission between strong allies. This landmark moment was swiftly followed by another, as members of the Royal Canadian Air Force joined the unit for the first time in July 2024, to contribute to its existing output and build towards the first MDF in support of Canadian F-35 operations in 2028. This unique, combined unit will proudly build upon the rich heritage of its respective No. 80 Squadrons, working collaboratively and continuing to play a critical role in advancing the capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II for Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and their allies.
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