Arrival of last F-35C completes Patuxent River complement of Lightning II aircraft [Image 2 of 2]

PATUXENT RIVER, MD, UNITED STATES

12.11.2012

Photo by Cmdr. Victor Chen 

Naval Air Systems Command

Aircraft CF-5, flown by Navy test pilot Lt. Cmdr. Michael Burks, takes off from the F-35 Lightning II manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11. The aircraft, which arrived here the same day, is the final permanently assigned F-35C for the Integrated Test Force at Naval Air Station Patuxent River and designated primarily for ship suitability and high angle of attack testing. The F-35C carrier variant of the Lightning II is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches and deck landing impacts associated with the demanding aircraft carrier environment. The F-35C is undergoing flight test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin/Randy Crites)

• Date Taken: 12.11.2012
• Date Posted: 12.12.2012 13:18
• Photo ID: 799631
• VIRIN: 121211-O-GR159-001
• Resolution: 3000x2400
• Size: 3.23 MB
• Location: PATUXENT RIVER, MD, US