Lecture to uncloak F-35 Lightning II jet aircraft

Discover the facts about one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and its integration into the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy at a lecture in London on 21 June.

This year’s featured presentation at the Aerospace Division's AGM centres on the technical, logistical and production challenges of the latest Joint Strike Fighter to go into service: the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. The aeroplane will make its full UK debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The Lightning II will provide UK defence with a fifth generation (low observable, supersonic, enhanced data fusion) multi-role, all weather, day-and-night aircraft that will operate from land bases as well as Queen Elizabeth class carriers. The aircraft will be based at RAF Marham, Norfolk when it arrives in the UK in 2018.

This informative presentation, given by Wing Commander John ‘Butch’ Butcher RAF and Wing Commander Colin Feeney RAF, will take place at One Birdcage Walk, London on 21 June from 17.30 and is free and open to all. The event is held in partnership with the Royal Aeronautical Society.

The lecture provides an overview of the Lightning II from an operator’s perspective, insights into the technical capabilities of the aircraft, and examines the challenges faced by engineers during its integration into the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.

Speakers

Wing Commander John ‘Butch’ Butcher RAF has 17 years’ experience as a pilot in the RAF. He has instructed on Harriers with the RAF and Hornets with the US Marine Corps. Following a tour working in the F-35 program office in the USA, he is currently the Chief of Staff in the Lightning HQ and will command the first Lightning II Squadron.

Wing Commander Colin Feeney RAF has 15 years’ experience as an aircraft engineer in the RAF and has served tours on Tornado F3, Tornado GR4 and Typhoon squadrons and units. He is currently the Chief Air Engineer within HQ 1 Gp for the UK’s Lightning F35B aircraft, providing both continuing airworthiness oversight of the UK’s aircraft and development of the engineering resources to deliver the Lightning’s operational capability.

Book your place.

Find out more about the Aerospace Division.