Article Posted on : - Mar 18, 2013

F-35 for The Netherlands. Photo: Lockheed Martin/ by Tom Arbogast.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (BNS): The second F-35 Lightning II for The Netherlands has rolled out of the F-35 production facility.

This is the latest step in the production process leading to its eventual assignment to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, later this summer.

The conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jet, known as AN-2, will undergo functional fuel system checks before being transported to the flight line for ground and flight tests later this year.

The Netherlands is planning to use the AN-2 for training and operational tests for pilots and maintainers.

The first F-35 Lightning II for The Netherlands (AN-01) rolled out of the F-35 production facility in April last year.

The Netherlands is a member of the international F-35 programme. It is one of three nations currently testing F-35 aircraft, alongside the US and UK, having recently bought their second test aircraft.