[Photo] Navy’s first F-35C production model (in cool high-visibility markings) makes first flight

On Feb. 14, CF-6, first Lockheed Martin production model F-35C carrier variant, made its maiden flight from LM’s facility at Forth Worth, Texas.

Since it will delivered to the US Navy Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VFA-101)  “Grim Reapers” at Eglin AFB, Florida, the F-35C CF-6 sported cool high-visibility color scheme and markings.

The Grim Repers were established in May 1952, flew various fighter jets, including the F-4 Phantom and F-14 Tomcat before being disbanded in 2005.

It was reestablished in May 2012, to support the U.S. Navy version of the CV (carrier variant) and serve as Fleet Replacement Squadron, training Joint Strike Fighter pilots and maintainers as a subordinate unit of the joint 33 Fighter Wing.

The CF-6 will be the first carrier variant F-35 assigned to Eglin: 9 F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jets and 13 F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) jets are already based there.

More from The Aviationist

Russia

Russia Launches ‘New’ Ballistic Missile At Ukraine – Reports

Military Aviation

New Engine Covers Help the Air Force Protect B-52s from Ice, Saving Time and Millions

Drones

Turkey’s TB3 UCAV Takes Off, Lands ‘Autonomously’ On TCG Anadolu Amphibious Assault Ship

Military Aviation

UK Announces Retirement of Watchkeeper UAV, 14 Chinooks, 17 Pumas and 3 Royal Navy Ships

Military Aviation

F-15D Eagle Spotted with Unusual Infrared Measurement Pod

Image credit: Lockheed Martin

Related articles

• Navy’s F-35C gets VFA-101 high-visibility markings
• F-35B grounded by fueldraulic system problem
• “No way an F-35 will ever match a Typhoon fighter jet in aerial combat” Eurofighter test pilot says
• Thirty minutes to choose your fighter jet: how the Shah of Iran chose the F-14 Tomcat over the F-15 Eagle