Tagged: F-35

The Vermont National Guard says the United States Air Force has delayed the release of a final environmental impact statement on where to base its next-generation fighter jet, the F-35, until the fall.

The U.S. Air Force is considering basing its newest fighter jet - the F35 - at the Burlington International Airport.  But opponents are concerned about the noise level of the planes.  Vermont’s Governor and other officials traveled to Florida on Wednesday to listen to the planes.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate John MacGovern says he doesn't think the U.S. Air Force should base F-35 fighter planes at the Burlington International Airport.

MacGovern says the area is incompatible with the next generation fighter plane that is louder than the F-16 plane now flown by the Vermont National Guard from the base.

MacGovern said it could be years before the Air Force phases out the F-16, which would give plenty of time for the Vermont Guard to find a new mission or redevelop the base.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has started a petition drive in support of bringing F-35 fighter jets to the state.

The Vermont Air Guard in Burlington was named as a preferred site for one of the first deployments of the stealth fighters.

Some neighbors of the Burlington International Airport are concerned about noise from the jets, and anti-military activists are lobbying against the planes.