The initial squadron of America's $4 weapons system ever built is on track for "initial combat use" by August 2016. Fourteen years ago this month, Lockheed Martin won the contract to build America's premier fifth generation stealth fighter jet.
Business Insider toured Lockheed Martin's massive production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where the three $4 variant aircraft are designed and manufactured.
Here is a look at the unique capabilities of the F-35 variant aircraft.