Lockheed Martin delivers first F-35 production jet for training to Eglin AFB

The first Lockheed Martin production model F-35 Lightning II to be assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing arrived at Eglin AFB on July 14th, after its more than 90-minute ferry flight from Fort Worth, Texas.  The aircraft, known as AF-9, will be used for activities in concert with training F-35 pilots and maintainers who begin coursework at the base’s new F-35 Integrated Training Center this fall. AF-9 is a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) version of the 5th generation stealth fighter.  Overall, the jet is the third production-model F-35 delivered to the U.S. Air Force, with the first two assigned to Edwards AFB, Calif.