via Aviation Week.
While deployment of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to air shows in the U.K. may help to build momentum toward securing Britain’s order for the aircraft, it will also help build an understanding of the logistics requirements needed for the complex fifth-generation fighter.This is criminal.
Plans for the deployment now involve up to four F-35Bs arriving in the first week of July ready to make their international debut, first at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAFFairford on July 11 and then at the Farnborough International Airshow, which opens on July 14.
In addition to appearing at the two shows, a sortie to Scotland to conduct a flyby at the naming ceremony of the new HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier is on the agenda.
The aircraft will be escorted across the Atlantic by a pair of U.S. Air Force KC-10 tankers. They will be joined by a C-17 and at least one Marine Corps KC-130J in support. The F-35s are expected to refuel around 10-12 times each during their crossing, flying direct from NAS Patuxent River, Maryland to Fairford, which will act as their home base during July
All you mad scientists and flight engineers can kiss my ass.
It doesn't take a degree in mathematics, aviation or any other science to look at this and realize that it stinks to high heaven.
The airplane was already grounded a couple of weeks ago, was rushed back into service and now its suffered this incident! Yet we're suppose to say that all is well and send someone's son across the Atlantic for a dog and pony show?
Criminal isn't a strong enough word.
Whoever is pushing this agenda needs to be prosecuted and if they're part of the military they should be busted to private and kicked out.
We aren't talking about a military emergency, wartime urgency or any other reason that justifies taking this risk. They've crossed the line on this one. They're breaking the law and so far no one is calling them out on it.
