Assembly of the first F-35 is our most visible achievement to date. Initiation of electrical power and arrival of the F135 Engine, slated for installation in February, were also significant achievements for the program. We have already started major assemblies on the first three STOVL aircraft, which all incorporate the weight reductions and structural improvements of the updated 'optimized' design. Assembly of the first optimized CTOL aircraft also is under way. Most recently, the F-35 program was approved to proceed to the Air System Critical Design Review for the F-35 STOVL and CTOL variants, Feb. 14-17, a positive reflection of the program's developmental progress.

Dan Crowley