20230715 (57)_ZM155_Lockheed_Martin_F-35B_Lightning
Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) F-35B from the RAF, based at RAF Marham in Norfolk. A fifth generation stealth combat aircraft widely touted as a fighter but essentially a bomb truck as its weapon load out in stealth mode is far too small for the percentage shots required in air-to-air work. It can be fitted with wing pylons but those immediately compromise the aircraft's main combat advantage. There aren't many of them, either, the intended 148 having been slashed to between 48 and about 80. Seen in the static at the Royal International Air Tattoo, RIAT 2023, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire: the world's greatest military airshow and a must every year for any UK aviation enthusiast at least.
20230715 (57)_ZM155_Lockheed_Martin_F-35B_Lightning
Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) F-35B from the RAF, based at RAF Marham in Norfolk. A fifth generation stealth combat aircraft widely touted as a fighter but essentially a bomb truck as its weapon load out in stealth mode is far too small for the percentage shots required in air-to-air work. It can be fitted with wing pylons but those immediately compromise the aircraft's main combat advantage. There aren't many of them, either, the intended 148 having been slashed to between 48 and about 80. Seen in the static at the Royal International Air Tattoo, RIAT 2023, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire: the world's greatest military airshow and a must every year for any UK aviation enthusiast at least.