The US Air Force’s (USAF) seventh F-35 Lightning II test aircraft has taken its first flight to validate the conventional take-off and landing variant’s weapons suite.

Lockheed’s F-35 USAF program manager James Sandstrom said the aircraft is configured to test and verify the multiple weapon loads delivering fifth-generation combat capability to the warfighter.

The F-35 Lightning II combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information and network-enabled operations.

It can launch supersonic internal weapons, including air-to-air missiles at maximum-speed of mach 1.6.

More than 15,000lb of additional ordnance can be loaded onto six external pylons when Very Low Observable stealth is not required.

The aircraft is supported by the F-35 Autonomic Logistics Information System and managed by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Sustainment Operations Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

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 jet, known as AF-2, flew for an hour during the test after taking off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base.