Aircraft
F-35s Cross The Atlantic Ready for UK Show Debuts
Two years after an abortive attempt, the stealth jets are making their first appearances in Europe.
One of three F-35Bs that made the transatlantic crossing on June 29 is refueled from a KC-10 tanker. (Photo: UK Crown Copyright 2016)
One of three F-35Bs that made the transatlantic crossing on June 29 is refueled from a KC-10 tanker. (Photo: UK Crown Copyright 2016)

Six Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters made a transatlantic crossing this week, before their participation at two major UK airshows. However, the type’s European debut came last month, when two F-35As of the Royal Netherlands Air Force currently based at Edwards AFB conducted a deployment trial and appeared at the air arm’s annual airshow at Leeuwarden. The trips come two years after an engine failure stymied an attempt to debut the jet internationally.


Loading…