Trio of F-35 fighter jets flown to USA to combat corrosion shortly after HMS Prince of Wales deployment ends
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A trio of advanced fighter jets have been sent to America for crucial assessments.
Three F-35B fighter jets in the United States so they can be assess for corrosion. The aircraft played a vital role during the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG) deployment - headed by HMS Prince of Wales - in the Indo-Pacific.
They are currently being inspected by US engineers at the Fleet Readiness Centre Southeast (FRCSE) in Jacksonville, Florida. The jets will go through Production Asset Inspection Requirement Tier II corrosion-mitigation inspections (PAIR II).
As reported in Forces News, PAIR II involves the underlying structures of the F-35s being checked, with degrading parts being removed and repaired. The armed forces publication said it’s unclear whether the trio of aircraft were deployed with HMS Prince of Wales, but added that it’s likely due to spending eight months at sea and being exposed to salt and ultraviolet light.
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It takes roughly 60 days for the aircraft to be checked by FRCSE staff. The site employs roughly 5,000 civilian and contract workers, and military personnel to keep military capabilities ready to be deployed for longer. “The work we do ensures that our nation's military can train, fight and win today while supporting the force to win tomorrow,” they added.
Techniques at the American facility are being shared for British personnel so they can implement them back home. Captain Mike Windom, the commanding officer of FRCSE, told Forces News: “The FRCSE speed line is recognised within the F-35 community for efficient and cost-effective corrosion mitigation.
“We are proud to extend our expertise to support our Royal Navy allies, ensuring their F-35 aircraft maintain peak mission readiness."