Pilot’s thumbs up to UK’s ‘incredible’ new fighter
BRITAIN’S new generation of F-35 stealth fighters will defy critics due to their “incredible” performance, a leading test pilot said yesterday.
It is claimed taxpayers could end up paying £150million for each plane.
But Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Andy Edgell, who has been testing them in America, insisted people should be “incredibly proud and excited”.
Sqn Ldr Edgell, who is part of the Integrated Test Force, said: “It would be utterly nonsensical to not purchase and develop the F-35 and have it as the core ingredient in our airpower.
“It is an incredibly powerful aircraft and I am not just talking about thrust but the capabilities it brings to the battle space.
“The disappointing thing is I can’t share all the details.”
The Ministry of Defence is committed to buying 138 F-35 Lightning IIs, including 48 in the next 10 years, costing £9.1billion.
The F-35s, built for air and ground combat, will complete missions from the UK’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, once flight tests from the ship are completed next year.
British pilots have been working alongside the US Navy, Air Force and Marine Force to develop the jets.
The UK currently has 12 F-35s in America, with two more to be delivered by the end of the year.
Father-of-three Edgell described being able to land vertically using the “hovering capacity” as his favourite function.
“She’s a masterful piece of engineering and it makes her so effortless to fly,” he said.
The jets were cleared for take-off from HMS Queen Elizabeth following successful trials using a ski-ramp design featured on the ship.
The Government could end up paying £150million for each plane including modifications.
But there are fears the jets could be vulnerable to cyber attacks and might have difficulty sending data to other British aircraft or warships.
Despite this, Sqn Ldr Edgell added: “The F-35 is a developing jet, it is not developed.”