first production JSF
The first F-35A production aircraft that will be delivered to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., later this year takes off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base May 6 with Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti at the controls. The jet will go to Edwards AFB, Calif., to support developmental testing shortly after the Air Force takes delivery. As the first of its kind in the Department of Defense, the 33rd Fighter Wing is responsible for F-35 A/B/C (Joint Strike Fighter) pilot and maintainer training for the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force and, in the future, at least eight coalition partners. Initially, 59 aircraft and three flying squadrons, one for each service/aircraft variant, will be established at Eglin. (Courtesy photo)