Milestone 2 of the F-45C programme has begun it's flight testing following the early flight tests of M1 which began late last year (M1 was pretty much an early F-45C fuselage with F-45A systems). M2 is closer to the final F-45C specification with much of the avionics suite and flight control system being new though lacks some advanced features like the mission adaptive wing and some avionics like the new radar and ECM suite. M2 does include the first flight testable build of the new engines though and many other improvements.
A CAC spokesclone said that M2 will be followed by M3 later in the year which will also include the first test planes for the Navy's F-45K. These test aircraft will not be carrier capable however but this may change with M4, the pre-production specification, which is expected before the end of next year.
2114 remains the planned in service date for F-45C with F-45K likely to follow in 2115. Along with the CSM it is the most important new weapon programme currently in the HCS.
