F-35C production model takes flight

FORT WORTH, Texas -- The first Lockheed Martin production model F-35C carrier variant, CF-6, flew its first sortie Thursday. Upon delivery later this year, the jet will be assigned to Navy Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VFA-101) at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The unit will serve as the Fleet Replacement Squadron, training Navy F-35C pilots and maintainers. At Eglin, CF-6 will join a fleet of nine F-35A conventional takeoff and landing jets and 13 F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing jets already on station. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 02/15/13)