The first of Britain’s new supersonic ‘stealth’ strike fighters has touched down in the UK for the first time.
The F-35B Lightning II jet was flown by RAF pilot Squadron Leader Hugh Nichols on its first transatlantic crossing, accompanied by two United States Marine Corps F-35B aircraft from their training base at Beaufort, South Carolina.
The combined US/UK team of aircrew and engineers are here in the UK to demonstrate just what the 5th generation state of the art aircraft can do, flying at the Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough International Air Show over the next few weeks.
The supersonic plane, which is capable of short take off and vertical landing, is the world’s most advanced stealth craft – practically invisible to radar.
It will begin service with the RAF and the Royal Navy by 2018 – operating from “land bases, deployed locations or the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers”.
The MOD has bought eight of the £100m jets – five of which arrive this week – and is set to make 24 of the war machines available on its two new aircraft carriers by 2023.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “The F-35Bs are the most advanced fast jets in the world. Whether operating from land or from one of our two new aircraft carriers, they will ensure we have a formidable fighting force.”
“They are part of our plan for a stronger and better defence: more ships, more aircraft, more troops available at readiness, better equipment for special forces, more being spent on cyber – to deal with the increased threats to our country.”
Air Commodore Harv Smyth, Lightning Force Commander said: “The arrival of Lightning in the UK is an important step towards our delivery of operational capability with the UK’s first ever stealth fighter aircraft.
“Operating from land bases or our new aircraft carriers, the F35B Lightning will provide ‘next generation’ advanced sensor capabilities which, when combined with its low observable, ‘stealthy’ design, allow the pilot to see more, know more and act faster than the enemy.
“Our Lightning Force is developing very quickly and we are well prepared for the arrival of our first operational squadron (617 Sqn ‘The Dambusters’) at RAF Marham in 2018.”
