F35 crash. One down, 23 left.

[MichaelW2]

One of our F35 jets crashed into sea shortly after takeoff from HMS Queenie. The pilot is fine and the RN is salvaging and securing the bits of F35.
Having only 23 of the kites, losing just one has a considerable impact on availability (not to say finances).
Is it wise and is there any alternative to flying a handful of fabulously expensive aircraft off our one carrier.

 

[lazybloke]

Probably got fully comp with a free hire plan whilst it's in the 'shop

 

[Paulus]

It should fetch quite a bit of scrap value from the expensive materials it's made from.

 

[Slick]

I'm glad to hear tge pilot is fine, must have been a horrible experience.

They used to train the pilots a lot in the Highlands and I do remember seeing the scar on the hill from where one jet followed another swooping down the line of the rest and be thankful, only for one to catch the hill with his wing and bounce straight over to the other side like something out a star wars movie. Its a dangerous game doing what these guys do, even with all the gadgetry.

 

[fossyant]

Expensive !

 

[MichaelW2]

It should fetch quite a bit of scrap value from the expensive materials it's made from.

Scrap value is less than zero. The composites are not easily reusable, the nano fibres may be an environmental hazard.
Best value proposition for the taxpayer is to sell the bits to the Chinese but an expensive salvage op is to keep their mitts off it.

 

[Joffey]

Them F35's are better value than our test and trace system.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

I've got as bit of balsa wood lying about. Maybe I could knock a replacement up. Save the Tax Payer shelling out all that dosh.

 

[cougie uk]

That's our taxes going up by a couple of quid.

 

[HMS_Dave]

When procurement is considered, losses are factored in. Procurement of the F35b's has been messy and slow as they are not cheap and they have previously had a number of teething issues. That notwithstanding, losses are expected. Harriers also had issues and some were lost. It's a bit of a gulp moment, but frankly as history proves, nothing can replace a skilled, experienced pilot no matter how many F35's we have and the fact that he is back on board safe and sound is the most important factor.

 

[Cycleops]

I've got as bit of balsa wood lying about. Maybe I could knock a replacement up. Save the Tax Payer shelling out all that dosh.

This guy's beaten you to it:


View: https://youtu.be/hhzoH17yf3o

 

[midlife]

This guy's beaten you to it:


View: https://youtu.be/hhzoH17yf3o

All without a pilot lol

 

[Beebo]

We would lose 24 aircraft a night in WWII.
That’s how small the airforce is now.

 

[Slick]

Although to be fair, that's a bit apples and oranges to put it mildly.

 

[Cycleops]

Just be glad you don't have to fly with the Russian military:


View: https://youtu.be/ZU1f47SC_A8