First a Taxi, then Flight

Dec. 12, 2006

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

The F-35 Lightning II completed its first self-powered ground taxi test on Dec. 7 and is on its way to a last series of tests before first flight, per a statement from prime contractor Lockheed Martin. Lockheed spokesman John Smith would not hazard a guess as to the actual date of the first flight, but it is slated for this month. Next up are medium-speed taxi tests, traveling at from 75 to 92 mph; this first taxi only reached about 35 mph.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

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