Boeing’s Proposed JSF Makes First Test Flight

Boeing Co., competing for what could be the largest U.S. military contract ever, said its proposed joint strike fighter plane successfully completed its first flight test. Despite a minor hydraulic leak, the X-32A concept prototype flew for 20 minutes from Palmdale, where the jet is being developed, to Edwards Air Force Base, about 30 miles away, Boeing said. It was the first of about 50 test flights expected over the next five months, the company said. Seattle-based Boeing is competing against Lockheed Martin Corp. to build the so-called JSF jet for the Pentagon. Lockheed, based in Bethesda, Md., said it is still completing ground tests on its proposed aircraft, which could make its first test flight this month. Boeing shares rose 6 cents to close at $56.94 on the New York Stock Exchange.