F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

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sunstersun
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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bobp
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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First Vertical landing for a F35B at RAF Marham story here:

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articl ... arham.html

NickC
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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The Pentagon Defense Acquisition Board has again deferred authorisation of the major update to F-35 with Block 4 / C2D2 due to costs and schedule issues. C2D2 development originally planned for October 2017, then this June and now talk of later this year.

Lord Jim
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by Lord Jim »

It is understandable given the number of F-35s the US has brought into service and the bill required to bring them all up to Block 4 even if the earliest are not.

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SKB
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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(BAE Systems) 30th July 2018
As a Tier One partner on the F-35, BAE Systems’ global enterprise delivers almost 15% of each of the 3,000-plus aircraft which will make up the worldwide fleet ordered by air forces from 11 different nations.

From our electronic systems business in the United States, which delivers the electronic warfare suites for the jets, to our United Kingdom business which uses advanced manufacturing to produce the rear section of every aircraft, and our business in Australia which is a key partner in the sustainment of the F-35, our people have a role in the development, production and sustainment of the global fleet.



SDL
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by SDL »

Weren't there 5 aircraft coming to the UK today?

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SKB
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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They only said "August" if I recall correctly. No specific date.


Prince Charles at Marham ^

SDL
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by SDL »

Ah... Gotcha

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SKB
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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But, did find that RAF Voyager ZZ333 flew out to the US on the 29th July. And another, ZZ334 arrived in the US on 31st July....

benny14
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by benny14 »

Five are apparently on their way today. Due to arrive this evening.

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SKB
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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15:20 - ZZ333 (RRR9302) and ZZ334 (RRR9301) , just passed Nova Scotia and flying back across the Atlantic to UK now.
16:20 - ZZ333 (RRR9302) turned north to Newfoundland. ZZ334 (RRR9301) continuing "alone" eastwards across the Atlantic.
16:25 - ZZ334 went "out of coverage"....
18:00 - ZZ334 (RRR9301) Mid-Atlantic, approaching the Azores.
18:30 - ZZ334 went "out of coverage" after passing the Azores....

Live:
https://www.flightradar24.com/RRR9301/1d5e6349

benny14
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by benny14 »

A thread on the journey...

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SKB
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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20:50 - ZZ334 (RRR9301) is now over Cornwall
21:05 - over and past Yeovilton
https://www.flightradar24.com/RRR9301/1d5e6349

SDL
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by SDL »

almost here...

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SKB
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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21:15 - Looks like ZZ334's job is done, seems to be landing at RAF Brize Norton.
21:20 - ZZ334 Landed. Taxiing at Brize Norton. Five F-35B's elsewhere on their own now...?!
https://www.flightradar24.com/RRR9301/1d5e6349

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-Eddie-
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by -Eddie- »

A Tornado (Marham 33) went to meet the F-35s over the south west coast. Likely not just a welcome but also for pictures. F-35 dusk shots would be awesome :)

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-Eddie-
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by -Eddie- »

They're here :D :clap:



SDL
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by SDL »

Nice... that's 10 now on UK soil IIRC

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-Eddie-
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by -Eddie- »

SDL wrote:Nice... that's 10 now on UK soil IIRC
Nine I believe.

Does anyone know if the frontline squadrons will be 8 or 12 aircraft?

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SKB
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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9 down, 129 to go.... :mrgreen:

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-Eddie-
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

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SKB
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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by SKB »

9 is a squadron??! Even the Red Arrows have a tenth!
:lol: :crazy: :roll:

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Re: F-35B Lightning II (RN & RAF)

Post by dmereifield »

SKB wrote:9 is a squadron?!?! Even the Red Arrows have a tenth!
:lol: :crazy: :roll:
Easier to put 2 squadrons of 10 onto the carrier than 2 squadrons of 12? Or does it make little difference given the numbers of crew and resources dedicated to each squadron?

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