F-35A fighter jet built for the Japanese Air Force successfully completed its maiden flight Wednesday, August 24, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas, United States. Jet, known as the AX-1, took off at pukl 11; 12 and landed at 12; 46 LT.
Japan plans to buy 42 F-35A. The first four aircraft were in the assembly in Fort Worth and is planned to be given to Japan before the end of 2016. A total of 38 aircraft will be assembled in the remaining final assembly facility of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagoya, Japan.
The aircraft assembly facility is also underway in Nagoya. care training for managers first Japan has already started at Eglin AFB, Florida, and the first training pilot F-35 will begin at Luke AFB, Arizona in November 2016.
