ROYAL AIR FARCE
New stealth fighter jets ‘delayed by bad weather’
THE long-awaited arrival of our £100million supersonic stealth fighter jets was cancelled yesterday – because of poor weather.
The first of the F-35B Lightnings, said to be an all weather plane, was due to fly in from the US, where it was developed in the world’s most expensive weapons project costing £1.5trillion.
The F-35s are the most technologically advanced in the world but their flight yesterday was axed due to choppy conditions in the Atlantic.
A source said: “Apparently the powers that be want perfect weather conditions to land the best warplane we have ever seen. Let’s just hope it doesn’t rain if they have to be sent into war.”
The jets developed by Lockheed Martin were due to land at RAF Marham in Norfolk ready to fly with the RAF and the Royal Navy later this year.
The short take off, vertical landing craft will fly from the ground as well as from our new aircraft carriers. RAF Marham had to resurface a runway for their arrival, even though they are supposed to be able to land on rough strips. Military sources said “poor weather conditions” forced the flight cancellation.
RAF policy is to avoid flying over rough seas except in wartime, in any kind of jet.
Yesterday the “sea-state” of the Atlantic was above category 5, making post-ejection rescue dangerous if a pilot ran into trouble. Poor visibility and cross-winds also meant there was no option to divert. The RAF said: “The aircraft can fly in all weather conditions but flying them here is subject to normal peacetime weather decisions. We’re simply considering flight safety.” The first jets are now due in the next few days.