F-35 Lightning makes first UK appearance

The UK’s next generation combat aircraft, which is engineered and manufactured in Lancashire, has arrived in the UK for the first time.

The F-35 Lightning II has flown in to the country ahead of appearances at two of the world’s largest air shows.

The rear fuselage of every F-35 Lightning II aircraft built are manufactured and assembled at BAE Systems facility in Samlesbury. The site also manufactures horizontal and vertical tails for the stealthy jets, which are due to go in to service in the UK in 2018.

He said: “A real F-35 looks like a full-scale replica because there are no sharp edges due to its low observable capability, and it just looks like a futuristic jet.

“We also need to ensure our supply chain has the capacity and capability because you’re only as good as your weakest link and we’ve been working closely with our suppliers to ensure they’re ready to meet this challenge.”

Since it joined the F-35 Lightning II programme in 1997, the company has invested more than £150m in the development of major infrastructure to build world-leading machining and assembly facilities at Samlesbury.