Rollout first Dutch F-35

Representatives from the Netherlands Government, industry and knowledge institutes have celebrated the rollout of AN-1, the first Dutch F-35, from the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics production facility in Forth Worth, Texas.

This is the latest step in the production process leading to its eventual assignment to Eglin AFB, Fla., later this summer. The Netherlands will use the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jet, known as AN-1, for training and operational tests for pilots and maintainers. AN-1 will undergo functional fuel system checks before being transported to the flight line for ground and flight tests in the coming weeks. The second Dutch test aircraft, the AN-2, is expected to be ready next year.

The Royal Netherlands Air Force continues to be at the forefront of flight testing and pilot training and remains at the leading edge of advanced 5th Generation fighter technology. NLR has a long standing tradition of support to the Netherlands Armed Forces and other customers for test and evaluation activities. NLR employees have been supporting the Netherlands MoD in the F-35 acquisition and test and evaluation activities for a number of years. More personnel with experience in flight testing and evaluation is foreseen in the near future.’

By actively participating in the F-35 program NLR will gain in depth understanding of the test planning and execution of the intended success.