FORT WORTH, Texas / PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland — April 24, 2026 : Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. has been awarded a $177,493,428 contract modification by the Naval Air Systems Command to design and manufacture three new F-35 flight science aircraft, one for each variant of the Joint Strike Fighter program. The award, announced following the April 23, 2026 modification, is intended to sustain flight test capacity as the program transitions toward advanced upgrade phases.
The modification, designated P00022, is issued under an existing cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N0001923C0003). It covers all “touch labor” and reach-back engineering support required to produce the replacement aircraft. Program completion is scheduled for April 2031.
Contract Scope and Aircraft Allocation
Under the agreement, one flight science aircraft will be produced for each of the three F-35 variants. These include the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant operated primarily by the U.S. Air Force, the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant used by the U.S. Marine Corps, and the F-35C carrier-based variant deployed by the U.S. Navy.
The aircraft will be purpose-built or modified with extensive instrumentation to support flight testing across the operational envelope. These platforms are designed specifically for evaluation activities rather than combat deployment.
Funding Breakdown and Fiscal Details
At the time of contract award, $37,672,648 has been obligated. This includes $18,836,324 from Fiscal Year 2025 research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) funds allocated by the U.S. Air Force and an equal $18,836,324 from U.S. Navy RDT&E accounts. An additional $8,390,436 has been contributed by F-35 cooperative program partner nations.
The obligated funding is set to expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
Workshare Distribution Across Locations
Work associated with the contract will be distributed across seven sites spanning three countries. Fort Worth, Texas, where Lockheed Martin maintains its primary F-35 production line, will account for 30 percent of the total effort. El Segundo, California, will handle 25 percent, while Warton, United Kingdom—home to BAE Systems F-35 operations—will account for 20 percent.
Additional work will be carried out in Orlando, Florida (10 percent), Nashua, New Hampshire (5 percent), Grenaa, Denmark (5 percent), and Baltimore, Maryland (5 percent).
Role of Flight Science Aircraft
Flight science aircraft are specialized test platforms equipped with sensors and instrumentation to measure aerodynamic performance, structural loads, and system behavior throughout the aircraft’s flight envelope. These aircraft enable controlled validation of both hardware and software modifications.
They are used to conduct edge-of-envelope flight testing that would be impractical or high-risk for operational aircraft due to the level of instrumentation required. Their role is central to certifying upgrades before they are cleared for operational use.
The current fleet of F-35 flight science aircraft has been in service since the early developmental phase of the program. After more than a decade of continuous testing activity, these airframes are approaching the end of their usable life. The newly contracted aircraft are intended to replace aging assets and ensure continuity in testing capability.
Support for Block 4 Modernization
The replacement aircraft will support testing requirements associated with the F-35 Block 4 modernization program. Block 4 is the program’s primary upgrade effort, incorporating expanded weapons integration, enhanced sensor capabilities, improved electronic warfare performance, and updates to pilot interface systems.
While elements of Block 4 are already being introduced incrementally, many capabilities require structured and instrumented flight testing before they can be formally approved for operational deployment. The new flight science aircraft will provide dedicated capacity for these validation efforts.
Program Context and Production Outlook
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program remains the largest defense acquisition program undertaken by the United States. More than 1,000 aircraft have been delivered to U.S. and partner nation operators to date. In 2025, Lockheed Martin delivered a record 191 F-35 aircraft.
Production of the platform is expected to continue into the 2030s, with ongoing upgrades forming a central component of the program’s lifecycle. Maintaining a dedicated and modern flight test infrastructure is considered necessary to support future capability development and integration.
The Naval Air Systems Command is serving as the contracting authority for the modification. No additional details regarding the precise configuration of the new flight science aircraft or interim delivery milestones beyond the April 2031 completion timeline have been disclosed.
——— End of Article ———
