 |
| Italy’s first built F-35A, aircraft AL-1, which will also be the first jet operated by the Italian Air Force, prepares for its roll out from the Cameri, Italy Final Assembly & Check Out (FACO) facility, Mar. 12. Photo: Lockheed Martin photo by Larry Bramblett |
[Avionics Today 03-13-2015] The first Italian F-35A Lightning II rolled out of the Cameri Final Assembly and Check Out (FACO) facility earlier this week, marking the first F-35A assembled internationally and the first of eight aircraft currently on the line. The aircraft, designated as AL-1, will now proceed to additional checkout activities before its anticipated first flight later this year.
“The Cameri FACO is truly a national crown jewel, currently assembling the first eight Italian F-35As and producing wings for all F-35As fleet-wide,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program manager. “Additionally, as the European F-35 airframe maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade center, it will generate thousands of long-term, high-tech jobs for the Italian people for decades.”