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The first F-35 Lightning II for The Netherlands rolled out of the F-35 production facility on April 1. This is the latest step in the production process leading to its eventual assignment to Eglin AFB, Fla., later this summer. The Netherlands will use the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jet, known as AN-1, for training and operational tests for pilots and maintainers. AN-1 will undergo functional fuel system checks before being transported to the flight line for ground and flight tests in the coming weeks. The Royal Netherlands Air Force continues to be at the forefront of flight testing and...

Fokker Aircraft Services (FAS) is celebrating the 1111th F-16 to undergo maintenance at its facility. The jet belongs to the Royal Norwegian Air Force and arrived at Fokker Aircraft Service's hangars this November where it will undergo a 300 FH Phase Inspection. The first Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon arrived at Fokker nearly 30 years ago from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Its multifaceted modification work encompassed both modernization and structural improvements. Since then, Fokker's servicing of F-16s has steadily progressed with work conducted on behalf of the Royal Danish Air Force, United States Air Forces in Europe, Portuguese Air...

TUCSON — Dutch fighter pilots will soon be training high over Southern Arizona. The Arizona Air National Guard says the Royal Netherlands Air Force is resuming F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot training at Tucson International Airport after a three-year absence. The 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard will welcome the first Dutch pilots and aircraft Oct. 29. The Dutch plan to base 14 of their own jets in Tucson to participate in basic F-16 flight training and instructor pilot certification. Training is set to be in full swing by January 2011. A spokesman for the 162nd Fighter Wing...