Politics & Government

F-35 Flight Test, Production Progress

From the start of flight testing in December 2006, F-35s have flown 1,704 times, including the production-model flights and AA-1.

Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program continues to build on its 2011 flight test success. For 2012, the baseline F-35 System Development and Demonstration flight test plan calls for 1,001 test flights and 7,873 test points. However, growth in test point requirements throughout the year is anticipated.

As of Feb. 20, the F-35 Lightning II 5th Generation multirole fighter had conducted 114 flight tests and achieved 773 test points. Lockheed Martin has delivered three F-35s to the Department of Defense this year to date.

Since Jan. 1, the F-35 program accomplished several flight test and production milestones:

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  • On Jan. 9, AF-4, an F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing test aircraft, reached the highest altitude in an F-35—43,000 feet Mean Sea Level.
  • Lockheed Martin ferried the first two production model F-35B Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing aircraft to the U.S. Marine Corps on Jan. 11. The aircraft, known as BF-6 and BF-8, are now assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 residing with the host 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
  • On Jan. 18, t. 
  • With the ferry flight of BF-7, an F-35B STOVL, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., became home of the largest F-35 fleet in the Department of Defense on Jan. 19. BF-7 was the 23rd F-35 Lightning II delivered to the Department of Defense. 
  • On Jan. 20, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta rescinded probation for the F-35B, almost a full year ahead of schedule.
  • The F-35 SDD fleet including AA-1, the original test aircraft, crossed the 2,500 flight hour threshold on Jan. 25.
  • On Feb. 16 at Edwards Air Force Base, .

Cumulative flight test activity totals for 2012 through Feb. 20:

  • F-35A CTOL jets have flown 46 times.
  • F-35B STOVL aircraft have completed 45 flights.
  • F-35C Carrier Variant jets have flown 23 times.

From the start of flight testing in December 2006, F-35s have flown 1,704 times, including the production-model flights and AA-1.

Find out what's happening in Mariettawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Lockheed Martin’s site handles the F-35 center wing assembly. The center wing is the core of the fighter jet, where the wings attach. A company facility in Fort Worth, TX, handles final assembly of all F-35 components.


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