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LM F-35 completes testing at Edwards AFB |
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Friday, 24 October 2008 |
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LM has completed the first tests on its new F-35 Lightning II.
The first Lockheed Martin (LM) F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter jet has completed all planned testing at the Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) in California, it has been announced.
The aircraft, support crews, contractors and military service personnel will now embark upon a vigorous programme of flight testing before the next-generation fighter is entered into service.
Doug Pearson, vice-president of the LM's F-35 Integrated Test Force, explained that these initial tests are "just the beginning".
"The exceptional performance of the aircraft and those supporting it shows that the team is ready for the fast-paced flight test activities," he said.
By the end of 2009, all 19 F-35 test aircraft are scheduled to be complete, meaning that flight test activities will be able to ramp-up with the aim of achieving initial operational tests and evaluations in 2013 to 2014.
During its recent tryouts at the Edwards AFB, the F-35's ability to shut-down and restart its engine in flight was validated - an important test ensuring that the aircraft can regain power in the event of an unanticipated engine flameout.
The Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan encountered no difficulties restarting on command.
There are three different variants of the F-35 Lightning II; a conventional takeoff and landing model for the US Air Force; a carrier variant for the US Navy; and a short takeoff/vertical landing model for the US Marine Corps, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.  |
