Lockheed Martin

The manufacturer’s HEX testbed and demonstrator aircraft will help it evaluate a future family of large, self-flying VTOL models.

The aircraft is the first of Norway’s four C-130J-30s to be retrofitted by Lockheed Martin with Block 8.1 upgrades.

The country will receive its first Block 4 configuration fighter in 2031, Lockheed Martin said.

The aircraft features a new flight management system and improves interoperability across the fleet, according to Lockheed Martin.

The country is set to become the second in Europe to take delivery of the advanced fighters.

The experimental aircraft is expected to fly 1.4 times the speed of sound, or around 925 mph, according to NASA.

While awaiting delivery of the fighters, a NATO air policing arrangement has been in place with neighboring countries to ensure the protection of Slovakia’s airspace.

Here’s when the aircraft designed to help shape possible future commercial supersonic flight will be revealed at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility.

The launch and space systems provider is thought to be working with the Space Development Agency, part of the U.S. Space Force.

Deliveries of the Lockheed Martin Lightning II fighter jets are to begin in 2027.