The first dedicated flight test F-35 aircraft with production representative very-low observable airframe structure and coatings has been rolled out by Lockheed Martin.

The F-35, a supersonic, multirole, fifth-generation stealth fighter, will serve the US Air Force, UK forces and seven other nations.

Lockheed Martin vice president of F-35 development JD McFarlan said that the F-35 highly accurate low-observable (HALO) radar pole model is fully representative of the F-35’s radar signature and will help in validating the fighter’s radar-evading properties.

“The aircraft will be used in tests that provide data about the radar-signature characteristics of the F-35 aircraft family,” he said.

The model will be initially tested at a radio frequency-secure building to acquire data on the aircraft’s stealth performance. The model will then be tested at a remote site atop a pole in open air.

The United States Department of Defense recently ordered 17 of the fighters in the third lot of low-rate initial production. Initial deliveries to the USAF will begin in 2010.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The US and the other eight partner nations plan to acquire 3,173 F-35 fighters under the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter programme.