Second batch of Lightnings arrives

摘要

FIVE MORE F-35BS for No 617 Squadron 'Dambusters' arrived at RAF Marham, Norfolk, on August 3. Flown by both RAF and Royal Navy pilots, the jets crossed the Atlantic from the United States in an eight-hour mission. The F-35Bs had taken off from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, earlier that day. The latest Lightnings -ZM140 (BK-06), ZM141 (BK-07), ZM142 (BK-08), ZM143 (BK-09) and ZM144 (BK-10)- join the first four UK-based F-35Bs, which arrived at Marham on June 6: ZM145 (BK-11), ZM146 (BK-12), ZM147 (BK- 13) and ZM148 (BK-14). With the exception of the August 3 deliveries, there were no F-35B sorties from Marham between July 26 and August 29, a break of 34 days. Based on social media reports, just 21-22 flights were achieved up to July 26 -including nine sorties for flypasts to mark the RAF's centenary. However, the Ministry of Defence still expects the 'Dambusters' to attain initial operating capability (IOC) later this year and attributed the break in flying operations to extensive maintenance checks and personnel on leave.