The first is German F-35A combat aircraft entered the final assembly phase a Lockheed Martin at its manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas (USA).
A UK Defence Journal said the aircraft had already been moved to the final assembly station after its main structural elements, including the wing sections and the front, center and rear fuselage sections, had been assembled.
During this phase, the aircraft receives the engine, rudder surfaces, and remaining onboard systems. Final work will include the application of coatings and surface treatments prior to flight tests and commissioning scheduled for later this year.
The aircraft is one of eight currently in production at the Lockheed at its Fort Worth plant. According to the current plan, the first eight are German F-35A aircraft are transported to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where German pilots begin training.
The F-35A program aims to provide the German Air Force with a stealth fighter that can integrate with allied forces and support NATO operational requirements. Its low-detection design reduces radar detection, while its sensor system collects and combines data from multiple sources to provide pilots with a comprehensive view of the battlefield.
Photo: Lockheed Martin. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and verified by the editors.
