UK Signs For F-35 Test Aircraft

Douglas Barrie/London barrie@aviationweek.com

British officials March 18 signed a deal to purchase three Lockheed Martin F-35Bs that will allow the United Kingdom to participate fully in the operational test and evaluation phase of the program.

British Defense Secretary John Hutton announced the decision during a visit to Washington. "By purchasing three aircraft for testing, we will secure access to the development of the program. Working alongside their U.S. colleagues, our pilots will gain an unrivalled understanding of this awesome aircraft and its capabilities."

Involvement in the operational test and evaluation (OT&E) phase will provide a litmus test of sorts of whether Britain is actually getting the level of access to the aircraft, and data, that it believes it requires to help sustain what it terms "operational sovereignty" with regard to the F-35.

The F-35B is presently the favored variant to meet the United Kingdom's Joint Combat Aircraft requirement to replace the Harrier GR9. A final decision on the initial procurement number, and F-35 variant, however, will not be taken until around 2013. The aircraft is due to enter service in 2017.

The three U.K. OT&E aircraft will be delivered in 2011 and 2012.

Photo: Lockheed Martin