Lockheed Martin Corp. conducted the first test flight of a version of the F-35 Lightning II to be used by the U.S. Marine Corps, the company said Wednesday.
The test flight from the Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Texas, is considered a major milestone in development of the aircraft, which is also known as the Joint Strike Fighter.
The plane has three versions depending on the military branch that will use it.
Wednesday's test was for the short takeoff/vertical landing jet version, which also will be used by Britain's Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and the Italian Air Force and Navy.
Northrop Grumman Corp, Lockheed and Raytheon Co. collectively employ about 2,800 people in El Segundo and Palmdale to work on various parts of the F-35.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David R. Heinz, deputy F-35 program director, said in a conference call with reporters: "this truly is a milestone day. . . . Above the water, it looked just like a swan, but we know how much kicking was going on underneath."
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