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The F-35B will be flown by the United States Marine
Corps and, as well as a flypast, will demonstrate the vertical landing
capability of the new jet. The UK government recently announced plans
to speed up the purchase of 24 of the combat aircraft, a decision that
will see two front-line squadrons – 809 NAS and 617 Squadron RAF
– operating from the UK’s two new aircraft carriers by 2023.
US Marine Corps Deputy Commander for Aviation, Lt Gen Davis said: “The
US Marine Corps is looking forward to demonstrating the capabilities
of the F-35B Lightning II in the skies over the United Kingdom this
July.”
The F-35B’s appearance will be the latest in a long list of legendary
military aircraft that have made their UK debut at RIAT.
These have included the F-14 Tomcat in 1976, the MiG-23 in 1991, the
Typhoon in 1995, the V-22 Osprey in 2006 and the Japanese Maritime Self
Defence Force Kawasaki P1 in 2015.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “No doubt, the
sight of F-35s in the sky will be quite common for future generations
but this summer, all those who attend our air show will enjoy a first
glimpse of that future.
“Over the years, the Air Tattoo has featured the UK and European
debuts of some of the world’s most iconic aircraft but few will
have been as important to the UK’s future defence capability as
the F-35. I am sure many people will want to join us to witness this
piece of aviation history being made.”
The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust.
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