Weight-Optimized F-35 Test Fleet Adds Conventional Takeoff And Landing Variant

Lockheed Martin rolled out the first weight-optimized conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant of the F-35 Lightning II fighter on Dec. 19.

The new F-35A, called AF-1, joins three weight-optimized F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variants currently undergoing testing.

The aircraft are structurally identical to the F-35s that will be delivered to armed services beginning in 2010.

"The Lightning II CTOL aircraft will be, by far, the most widely employed F-35 variant in the world, with more than 1,700 to be used by the U.S. Air Force alone," said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager.

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