Lockheed produces 100th F-35

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin's production of F-35 Lightning II aircraft has hit the century mark, the company reports.

The 100th aircraft from the company's production line in Fort Worth, Texas, was an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant and the first of 144 F-35s scheduled for delivery to Luke Air Force Base beginning next year.

Luke Air Force Base will have six F-35 squadrons and will be a training center for the aircraft.

"The 100th F-35 symbolizes the maturation of the F-35 program by the collective government and industry partner team as we prepare to ramp up production," said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin F-35 Program General Manager. "It took the collaboration of thousands of people -- customers, employees and suppliers -- from all over the world to make this day possible.

"Working together with the F-35 Joint Program Office, the team is focused on delivering the F-35's 5th generation capabilities to the U.S. armed forces and our allies."

Lockheed said that off the 100 F-35s produced, 44 were F-35As, 42 were F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing, and 14 were C variants for use by aircraft carriers. All but five were produced for the United States. Three others were delivered to Britain and two to the Netherlands.