Post by Rareclan on Jul 22, 2012 22:15:45 GMT 10
Oh goody this will protect us from the Rothschild's when they want their money back ! ! ;D
Britain gets first £100m superfighter
DEFENCE Secretary Philip Hammond picked up the keys to Britain’s first £100million superfighter yesterday.
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jump-jet was handed over at a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Government has ordered 48 of the amazing jets — the UK’s first combat stealth plane.
Mr Hammond told The Sun: “It’s the best jet money can buy.
“It is way ahead of anything anybody else is producing and will give our forces a battle-winning edge. It is a complete step-change in capability.”
The JSF — dubbed the Lightning II — flies faster than 1,200mph and carries seven tons of bombs. Six cameras provide a 360° view for pilots who fly the plane using the world’s most advanced helmet and a touchscreen controller like a giant iPad.
The fearsome jet — which can even manoeuvre BACKWARDS — was put through its paces by RAF test pilot Squadron Leader Jim Schofield.
He said: “It was an honour. This revolutionary aircraft will provide the best protection for our soldiers, sailors and airmen for 35 years.”
The new plane is to stay in America for more testing. The first Lightning IIs will be operational in 2016.
The handover follows months of controversy after the Coalition ripped up Labour plans to buy the jump jet version — only to revert to the original choice in a £100million U-turn.
d.willetts@the-sun.co.uk
www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/article4439308.ece