F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

[CR4ZYHOR5E]

For these sorts of ferry trips they plan on the basis that the worst is going to happen....that one or more of the jets can’t hook up with the tanker (at the worst time) so need to divert to an alternate airfield. Sea states etc are a biggie (in the event that some of the crew end up in the drink).

[benny14]

F-35 inbound this evening around 1900.

[SKB]

They're on their way!

[NickC]

05 JUNE, 2018 SOURCE: FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM BY: GARRETT REIM LOS ANGELES

"Deficiencies could delay F-35 full-rate production decision

The Department of Defense agreed with a Government Accountability Office report that it should resolve the Lockheed Martin F-35’s critical deficiencies before requesting funds to pay for full-rate production of the aircraft.

Waiting for the resolution of critical deficiencies in the F-35 Lightning II could delay the aircraft’s full-rate production, which the DoD had planned to begin in 2021.

The department had planned to defer resolving some critical deficiencies found in testing until after its full-rate production decision in October 2019, according to a GAO report released on 5 June. However, the report cited concerns that fixing deficiencies after starting full-rate production could eventually create additional costs to the government.

As of January 2018, the F-35 programme had 966 open deficiencies—111 category one deficiencies, which could jeopardise safety, security, or another critical requirement; and 855 category two deficiencies, which could impede or constrain a successful mission, according to the GAO. At least 25 category one deficiencies and 165 category two deficiencies would not be resolved before planned full-rate production.

Category one deficiencies the Joint Programmee Office planned to solve after full-rate production began involved the air vehicle, avionics, weapons, software and propulsion.

The JPO now plans to resolve all of the F-35’s critical deficiencies prior to entering initial operational test and evaluation, which was anticipated for fall 2018, according the GAO."

[SKB]

Found them on FlightRadar24 (i think), 2x RAF Voyagers (ZZ331 and ZZ335) mid Atlantic now, just passed the Azores.

https://www.flightradar24.com/RRR9103/11a14eec

[benny14]

Found them on FlightRadar24 (i think), 2x RAF Voyagers (ZZ331 and ZZ335) mid Atlantic now, just passed the Azores.

Azores is obviously the mid-atlantic standby airfield. Then up to Spain and along the coastline.

[indeid]

Obligatory posting of the Dos Gringos song when talking about a fighter trail across the Atlantic.....



For the more sensitive forum members the song references the male genital and also occasional swear words. Those tinkers.

[SKB]

RAF Voyagers ZZ331, ZZ335 (and F-35's?) almost in UK airspace now!
https://www.flightradar24.com/RRR9103/11a14eec

19:20 - Passed the Scilly Isles
19:24 - Lands End
19:34 - Dartmoor
19:36 - Exeter
19:41 - Yeovil & RNAS Yeovilton , (flypast?!), then turned NE
19:47 - Bath
19:50 - Swindon
19:54 - RAF Fairford
20:00 - ZZ331 veered off , circled RAF Fairford and rejoined ZZ335...
20:02 - RAF Brize Norton Both Voyagers landed....

[sunstersun]

should be within an hour or so at this point.

gentlemen it's been a pleasure. lets gooooo f-35 on uk soil.

exciting times. can't wait for carrier trials.

[-Eddie-]

Getting closer!

[SDL]

Was just about to post that shot...

They're going to go a few mile north of me i think.... shame, would have liked to try and spot them if i could

[SKB]

Think the Voyagers will go all the way to Marham, or veer off?

[SDL]

looking at the #F35toUK tag on twitter, they've veered off to Brize Norton

[SKB]

Both Voyagers have now landed at RAF Brize Norton.

[SDL]

Facebook livestream = https://t.co/o6Epb6cHiJ

LANDING NOW

[-Eddie-]

[SDL]

[SKB]

(ITV/Anglia TV) Arrival: 15:25
or

(ForcesTV) Arrival: 7:30

[SKB]

[SDL]

Great to see the first of many on UK soil... Next stop, the first flypast of the QE... *Raises glass to all involved*

[topman]

A single hop and two for four, luxury. Missing out on all the best bits though!

[SKB]

(Graham Baglin) 5/6/2018

Trooping The Colour is on Saturday 9th June. There's ordinarily a flypast over Buckingham Palace at the end. Any chance of an F-35 or four appearing in it?

[-Eddie-]

Second jet was flown by a Royal Navy pilot, 617's XO Lt Cdr Hogg

And a picture I really like:

[jimthelad]

They used srvl. must be happy with the maturity of that technique.

[CameronPerson]