2016年1月12日，美国空军AF-01号 F-35A“闪电”II 常规起降型系统发展与验证机首次进行AIM-9X分离测试。（F-35A AIM-9X Separation，Aircraft AF-1 during a mission to execute the first AIM-9X safe separation launch Jan. 12, 2016.）

2012年8月17日，美国加利福尼亚州爱德华兹空军基地，美国空军第二架（AF-01）F-35A“闪电”II 常规起降型系统发展与验证机由瑞恩·莱因哈特驾驶进行机翼颤振飞行试验，以确保飞机的结构能够经受住各种气动载荷，测试结果显示F-35战机可在1.6马赫的速度下开启或关闭武器舱门。（EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Feb 11, 2013 – An F-35A Lightning II conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, known as AF-1, completed its final test mission for clean wing flutter recently. Flutter testing was conducted to ensure the jet’s structure could withstand various aerodynamic loads verifying the F-35A’s design. The mission, flown by Maj. Ryan “Gunner” Reinhardt, marks the conclusion of three years of testing that now allows the F-35A to proceed with tests continuing to expand its flight envelope and validate predictions in real-world scenarios. The testing demonstrated the F-35 is clear of flutter, at speeds up to 1.6 Mach and 700 knots with weapon bay doors open or closed, critical to performing its combat mission. Data collected proves the F-35A flight dynamics maintains a large margin between its designed airspeed and airspeeds where possible flutter could occur.）

2012年12月1日，美国加利福尼亚州爱德华兹空军基地，美国空军AF-01号 F-35A 常规起降型系统发展与验证机在其第272次飞行时达到500飞行小时。（Second F-35A Reaches 500 Flight Hour Milestone，EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Jan. 23, 2013 – The second Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, known as AF-1, joined the 500 flight hour club recently during its 272nd flight. It joins AF-2 which passed the milestone June 26, 2012. The conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) fighter began flight operations when it made its inaugural flight Nov. 14, 2009. The F-35A flight test program has completed more than 43 percent of its overall test plan. Overall, the program’s three variants have achieved nearly 5,900 flight hours by 55 aircraft in the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) programs.）

2012年2月16日，美国加利福尼亚州爱德华兹空军基地，洛克希德·马丁 F-​​35A“闪电”II 常规起降型联合攻击战斗机首次进行外挂武器测试，左右各挂载了1枚AIM-9X“响尾蛇”空空导弹，飞行员是Vitt中校。（Lockheed Martin, F-35, JSF, 461st FLTS, F-35 ITF, Edwards AFB,First Flight of External Stores mounted to wings, 4 empty Pylons, 2 AIM-9X, Pilot: Lt Col Vitt, AF-1）

2012年2月16日，美国加利福尼亚州爱德华兹空军基地，洛克希德·马丁 F-​​35A“闪电”II 常规起降型联合攻击战斗机首次进行外挂武器测试，左右各挂载了1枚AIM-9X“响尾蛇”空空导弹，飞行员是Vitt中校。（Lockheed Martin, F-35, JSF, 461st FLTS, F-35 ITF, Edwards AFB,First Flight of External Stores mounted to wings, 4 empty Pylons, 2 AIM-9X, Pilot: Lt Col Vitt, AF-1）