BAE Pilot Takes World Latest Fighter Airborne for the 1st Time
(Fort Worth, Texas, June 12, 2008) -- With BAE Systems test pilot Graham Tomlinson at the controls, the first short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35 Lightning II has taken to the skies above Fort Worth, Texas, for the first time.
The former Royal Air Force Harrier pilot, now employed by F-35 programme partner BAE Systems at its military aircraft business in Lancashire North West England, flew this latest member of the F-35 family, from Lockheed Martin's Forth Worth facility. The F-35 Lightning II is the world's biggest ever fighter aircraft programme.
As planned, initial F-35 STOVL flights will be conventional, with transitions to short take off, hovers and vertical landings commencing during the aircraft's flight test programme.
Speaking after the flight Graham said: "A great team effort led to a relaxed first flight, with the aircraft handling and performing as predicted following earlier flights by the conventional variant of F-35 and many hours of simulator testing."
Mick Ord, BAE Systems' F-35 Lightning II Managing Director added: "The STOVL variant of the F-35 Lightning II is one of the most complex aircraft ever built. BAE Systems, with its long STOVL experience from development and manufacture of the Harrier fighter, is a key partner in this cutting edge technology programme."
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