Thu, Oct 09, 2008
First JSF To Begin Some Serious Flight Testing
Lockheed Martin's F-35A successfully flew from Fort Worth, TX to
California's Edwards Air Force Base on October 1, to begin expanded
flight testing and initiate test activities at Edwards. Flying
non-stop for more than 1,000 nautical miles, this was the
aircraft's first long-range, cross-country flight.
"The ferry flight out was perfect," said F-35 Test Pilot Jeff
Knowles. "The aircraft performed exactly as expected. Inflight
refueling was flawless and we landed with no maintenance
discrepancies. We couldn't have asked for a more successful first
long-range flight."
During the F-35's deployment to Edwards, the flight test team
will conduct ground and flight test activities for propulsion,
aerial refueling and logistical support, and will hold training
exercises for the test team.
"We expect to begin local Edwards flight operations next week
after the test team has received the appropriate local-area
orientation," said Doug Pearson, Lockheed Martin vice president of
the F-35 Integrated Test Force. "Support from the Air Force Flight
Test Center has been outstanding and I look forward to an
efficient, innovative and very productive F-35 flight test
program."
All 19 F-35 Developmental Test aircraft are currently in
production and will be completed by the end of 2009. Additionally,
production has begun on the first four Low Rate Initial Production
(LRIP) aircraft.
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