X-35A [LMTAS photo]

X-35A [LMTAS photo]

Edwards-JSF safety [LMTAS photo]

X-35A, #301 Joint Strike Fighter prototype with an F-16B Falcon chase from the 412th Test wing at Edwards Air Force Base. [LMTAS Photo]

X-35A, #301 with an F-16B Falcon chase from the 412th Test wing at Edwards AFB. The 412th is responsible for Air Force Development Testing. [LMTAS Photo]

X-35A JSF 003 [LMTAS photo]

The X-35A speeds down a runway during taxi testing at Lockheeds Palmdale, California, plant. Over the weekend [LMTAS photo]

In final preparations for its first flight on Oct. 24th 2000, the X-35A runs its engine in full afterburner as the LM JSF team validates performance predictions of the P& W JSF F119-611 engine. [LMTAS photo]

The X-35A lifts off Oct. 24 on its 1st flight, initiating a rigorous flight-test schedule. Test pilot Tom Morgenfeld flew the aircraft from LMTAS Co. in Palmdale, Calif., to Edwards Air Force Base. [The X-35A lifts off Oct. 24 on its 1st flight, initiating a rigorous...