First Dutch F-35 Lighting II Test Aircraft Rolls Out of Factory

The first Dutch F-35 Lightning II test aircraft, the AN-1, rolled off the production line in fully assembled condition at the Lockheed Martin factory in Fort Worth, Texas, on 5 April.

In the coming weeks, the aircraft will be given a special coating. Lockheed Martin will then test the aircraft’s systems. Subsequently, the manufacturer’s test pilots will test the aircraft both on the ground and in the air. After all checks have been completed, the all-round jet fighter aircraft of the fifth and latest generation will be handed over to the Netherlands during the summer.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff , April 13, 2012; Image: defensie