UK F-35B Fleet: £76m Support Contract Signed
The support provided by the contract will help ensure the Lightning aircraft are ready for HMS Queen Elizabeth's maiden deployment.
The support provided by the contract will help ensure the Lightning aircraft are ready for HMS Queen Elizabeth's maiden deployment.
The RAF helicopter had been stuck in the mud for six days after it was forced to land on "extremely soft ground" last week.
It is a latent capability of the C-17, which can operate from runways constructed from gravel, dirt or even packed ice and snow.
The mechanical issue has now been fixed but the helicopter is stuck after it sank into "extremely soft ground".
The British tankers escorted four Mirage aircraft during the 4,000-mile journey.
The new contract follows the successful implementation of the weapon development phase contract for SPEAR3 placed in 2016.
The Merlin helicopter landed on the River-class ship on New Year’s Day.
There are three variants of the F-35 fighter jet, with the RAF and Royal Navy being equipped with the F-35B.
The E-7 'Wedgetail' fleet is set to replace the RAF's E-3D Sentry aircraft.
The first of the E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft is expected to arrive in 2023.
The iconic aircraft was in service for more than 40 years.
The aircraft, named Foxy Lady, will now be maintained as a non-flying exhibit.
The helicopters, that provide battlefield support for Royal Marines, carried out the training in exercise areas on the Moray Firth.
It is unknown whether the aircraft was holding munitions during Thursday’s emergency landing at RAF Fairford.
The deal means 25 industry job will be created at RAF Brize Norton.
The UK now owns 21 of the Lightning jets, with 18 of those based at the Norfolk site.