FACC North Texas and the first Finland’s F-35 Lightning II fighter jets

FACC North Texas organized an opportunity for its members to visit the Lockheed Martin factory in Fort Worth, Texas.

The roar of fighter jet engines from the training area captivated the visitors, as did the thrill of standing next to Finland’s first F – 35 fighter jet on the manufacturing line.

The Fort Worth factory is huge and heavily guarded, we got to see the factory line, which according to the factory tour guide was over a mile long. When this particular factory hall was built, it was made a mile and 25 feet long, so that this particular factory can be called the largest, because we are in Texas.

We received an extensive information package about the development of fighter jets from history to the present day, how fighter technology has developed, how it has improved the safety of both countries and pilots. We also heard about the procurement process regarding the fighters coming to Finland. Interesting facts that tied into everything you may have already read in the newspapers.

Then came the most exciting part of the visit, the manufacturing line tour hosted by Lockheed Martin. The tour was carefully prepared; we heard to an interesting information about the fighter jets in different stages of production. It was interesting to see how many different stages a fighter jets goes through before it is ready for flight testing. The factory area has a total of over 16,000 employees and one interesting detail is that of all Lockheed Martin employees, one in five employees is a veteran.

One of the most impressive moments was when we stopped next to Finland’s first F 35fighter het being built. This plane was already fully assembled, which gave us a good idea of ​​its size, equipment, and cockpit location.

The visit was incredible, interesting and patriotic. Each of the visitors left with special memento, a small metal chip from this very the first Finnish F-35. This was a visit that will be remembered for a long time, thanks again to our hosts Mr. Scott “Lurch” Davis and Mr. Robert “Skinner” Wilkerson and the rest of team from Lockheed Martin.

All photos: Lockheed Martin