First Lockheed Martin mission systems-equipped F-35 enters flight test

The first mission systems-equipped Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter flew for the first time on April 7th. During the flight, F-35 Test Pilot David Nelson climbed to 15,500 feet (4,700 meters), verified engine response at varying throttle settings, performed a series of flight-qualities maneuvers and checked the operation of the aircraft’s mission systems.