Fort Worth TX (SPX) Dec 11, 2007 – On its 20th flight, the first F-35 Lightning II successfully tested engine performance and aircraft handling qualities at up to 20,000 feet as pilots and crew prepare for air refueling in the coming weeks. Shortly afterward, a dedicated test-bed aircraft began final check-out flights for airborne testing of the Lightning II’s Communication-Navigation-Identification system, initiating a test program that will ultimately integrate and fly the complete F-35 avionics package.