F-35A AF-6 First Flight

Posted 25 February 2011
Photo by David Drais

The first production model of the F-35 Lightning II, F-35A AF-6, completed its inaugural flight on 25 February 2011 from NAS Fort Worth JRB with Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti at the controls. During the one-hour flight, the aircraft underwent basic flight maneuvering and engine tests. AF-6 will continue flight tests in Fort Worth for about a month before it is accepted by the Air Force. The jet will Then head to Edwards AFB, California, to support developmental testing shortly after the Air Force takes delivery.

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