The first Lockheed Martin production model F-35 Lightning II to be assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing has arrived at Eglin AFB. 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 US Air Force, with the first two assigned to Edwards AFB, California.

“We’re incredibly proud of our government/industry team whose steadfast dedication to this programme led to the successful delivery of AF-9 today,” said Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin Executive Vice President and F-35 programme General Manager. “The exceptional capabilities of this 5th generation fighter are now in the very capable hands of the men and women of the 33rd Fighter Wing who are ushering in a new era of F-35 training. We look forward to delivering our full complement of F-35s to the Emerald Coast in the months and years ahead.”

The F-35A CTOL variant – designed to meet US Air Force requirements – is also the primary export version of the Lightning II. The air forces of Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Norway and Israel will employ the F-35A. To date, the F-35 programme has accomplished more than 925 flights since late 2006.