Nichols Martin
Four Lockheed Martin-built F-35B aircraft have arrived at the Royal Air Force Marham in the U.K. from the U.S. Marine Corps‘ facility in Beaufort, S.C., two months ahead of schedule.
U.K.’s Lightning Force aims to achieve initial operational capability for the short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing jets by the end of 2018, Lockheed said Wednesday.
The F35Bs are scheduled to undergo tests with Queen Elizabeth-class carriers later this year.
Lightning Team U.K. — an industry team composed of Lockheed, BAE Systems, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls Royce — will provide sustainment support for U.K.’s F-35 fleet.
U.K. owns 15 units of the fighter aircraft, 11 of which are being used for training and testing activities at MCAS Beaufort or Edwards AFÂ Base in California.
