DTN News - UK DEFENSE NEWS: Third F-35B For United Kingdom Makes First Flight

DTN News - UK DEFENSE NEWS: Third F-35B For United Kingdom Makes First Flight

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin + f35.com
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 4, 2013:  Monday (FORT WORTH, Texas, April 2, 2013), the third United Kingdom Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] F-35 Lightning II sped down the runway at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base embarking on its first flight. The aircraft, known as ZM137, departed at 10:16 a.m. with Lockheed Martin F-35 Chief Test Pilot Alan Norman at the controls. ZM137 will complete a series of company and government checkout flights prior to its acceptance by the U.K. Ministry of Defence. ZM137 will join U.K. aircraft ZM135 and ZM136 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., later this year where it will be used for pilot and maintainer training.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.  The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

The F-35 is a cornerstone of 21st century global security. Enabled by global partnerships, F-35 offers unprecedented capability and supportability across the spectrum of military operations. The U.S.has partnered with close allies to ensure the program's success through military and industrial cooperation. When allies fly the F-35, the coalition is strengthened through the ability to share information and resources.

The global partnership brings together the world's most experienced aerospace industry leaders. The F-35 partnership combines the most sophisticated manufacturing, engineering and technical expertise in the world to develop and support the F-35 program. The F-35 Lightning II program is a model of international cooperation.

GLOBAL PARTICIPATION
THE CENTERPIECE OF 21ST CENTURY GLOBAL SECURITY
The F-35 program includes partners from nine countries - partnerships that are essential to the success of the program. Other countries are considering or have selected the F-35 to bring 5th generation capability to allied armed forces around the world.

PARTNER COUNTRIES

UNITED STATES

The U.S. is the only country that flies all three F-35 variants. The U.S. Air Force flies the F-35A, the Marine Corps the F-35B and the Navy the F-35C. There are more than 125,000 direct and indirect jobs in the U.S. on the F-35 program. more

UNITED KINGDOM

The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy will purchase 138 F-35 aircraft, bringing advanced technology, stealth capability and interoperability across military forces to the U.K. more

ITALY

Italy will receive 90 F-35A and F-35B aircraft. A final assembly and checkout facility (FACO) is being constructed at Cameri Air Base, Novara, Piedmont. more

NETHERLANDS

The Royal Netherlands Air Force will receive F-35As to arm the fleet with advanced technology for future success of airmen. more

TURKEY

The F-35A's advanced technology and stealth capabilities are the future of Turkish national security. The Turkish aerospace industry is competing and winning key contracts to supply goods and services for the life of the program. more

CANADA

Canada is evaluating fighter aircraft alternatives, including the F-35A, to replace its CF-18 aircraft and provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with the aircraft needed to respond to current and future threats. As a partner, Canadian industry has participated in the F-35 program for nearly 10 years. more

AUSTRALIA

The F-35 continues Lockheed Martin's 50-year partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Some 100 5th generation F-35As will transition the RAAF into a next generation, net-centric fighter force capable of protecting Australia's security. more

DENMARK

As a program partner, Denmark has the opportunity to select the F-35A to ensure the Royal Danish Air Force's dominance for years into the future. more

NORWAY

The F-35A will recapitalize the Royal Norwegian Air Force fighter fleet to sustain Norway's national security. Norway's history with Lockheed Martin includes the F-16 fighter and C-130J transport aircraft. more

CURRENT COMPETITIONS

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

The F-35A is a key competitor in the Republic of Korea Air Force's (ROKAF) F-X III program. Lockheed Martin is offering the conventional takeoff and landing variant to the ROKAF. more

FOREIGN MILITARY SALES

JAPAN

The Japan Ministry of Defense selected the F-35A as the Japan Air Self Defense Force's (JASDF) next generation fighter aircraft in December 2011, following the F-X competitive bid process. The initial contract will be for four jets in Japan Fiscal Year 2012. more

ISRAEL

The Israeli government selected the F-35A as the Israel Air Force's next generation aircraft in October 2010. Israel will be the first country to receive the F-35 through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales process. more

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin + f35.com
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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