Will Become First CTOL Variant Used For Block 2B Testing

The U.S. Air Force's  Air Logistics Complex (ALC) at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah, hosted a ceremony Friday marking the arrival of the first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft to a depot facility.

The aircraft ferried from Nellis AFB, NV, and will be the first Air Force F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant used in the Block 2B Operational Testing & Evaluation (OT&E) program in 2015. The aircraft will receive a series of structural and systems modifications at Ogden to enhance critical capabilities needed during OT&E testing. This marks the second depot opened this year. In July, the U.S. Marines welcomed the first F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant at Cherry Point, N.C.

"For decades the shared partnership between Lockheed Martin the Ogden ALC team has taken our legacy platforms, the F-16, C-130 and F-22, to the next level, and the same will hold true for the F-35 Lightning II," said Lorraine Martin, F-35 vice president and general manager. "This aircraft was designed from its inception to evolve through modifications and upgrades so that our warfighters can continually outpace their opposition. I look forward to what the future holds for the F-35 and am excited to see that evolution unfold."

The Ogden Air Logistics Complex provides logistics, support, maintenance and distribution for the nation's premier fighter aircraft: the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt. In addition, it maintains the C-130 Hercules, T-38 Talon and other weapon systems, as well as the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. The ALC employs more than 7,500 military, civilian and contract personnel at Hill Air Force Base.

(F-35A pictured in file photo)

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com