The 100th Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the first aircraft destined for Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, has entered th...
The 100th Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the first
aircraft destined for Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, has
entered the last stage of final assembly. This conventional takeoff and
landing (CTOL) aircraft, known as AF-41, is scheduled to arrive at the
base next year. During final assembly, the aircraft structure is
completed, and electrical and hydraulic systems are added. Additionally,
these systems are tested in preparation for fuel systems checks and
engine runs. The final steps prior to acceptance by the Air Force
include a series of checkout flights leading to the aircraft entering
the service’s F-35 fleet. AF-41 is one of 126 F-35s in various stages of
production worldwide.
In June, the Air Force announced its decision to increase the number of
squadrons at Luke AFB to six with 144 aircraft, which will make it the
largest F-35 base worldwide. In addition to training U.S. pilots, Luke
will also serve as an F-35A International Training site. Currently,
Luke’s economic impact on the state of Arizona is $2.17 Billion. With 14
F-35 suppliers in the state of Arizona, the program has an additional
economic impact of $98Million.
