The first production model of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II made its inaugural flight Friday in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Air Force this spring.
The jet will head to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to support developmental testing shortly after the Air Force takes delivery.
The aircraft was rock-solid from takeoff to landing, and successfully completed all the tests we put it through during the flight, said Lockheed Martin Test Pilot Bill Gigliotti.
During the flight, the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A underwent basic flight maneuvering and engine tests.
The jet will continue flight tests in Fort Worth for about a month before it is accepted by the Air Force.