The first F-35 Lightning II is unveiled at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 7. The stealth fighter was officially named at the ceremony, with the name Lightning evoking two historic fighter aircraft: the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and the English...

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England stands before the first F-35 Lightning II at its unveiling and naming ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 7. England said advanced military hardware, like the Lightning II, is essential to the preservation of freedom...

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley addresses an audience of dignitaries and industry officials at the unveiling of the F-35 at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. Moseley officially named the stealth jet Lightning II. [LMTAS photo]

The F-35 Lightning II [LMTAS photo]

The F-35 Lightning II [LMTAS photo]

F-35 AA-1 engine tests at the start of the System Development and Demonstration phase [LMTAS photo]

F-35 AA-1 engine test [LMTAS photo]

F-35 powers out to the runway. On Thursday 07 December 2006, history was made as the F-35 Lightning II moved under its own power for the first time at LM Aero in Fort Worth. After a series of systems checks, the F-35 headed-out to begin low-speed taxi tests. The jet traveled...
See also: F-35 completes first ground taxi test

The F-35 Lightning II rolls out on December 7th, 2006 at NAS Fort Worth to conduct taxi tests. [Photo by Keith Robinson ]
See also: F-35 completes first ground taxi test