First F-35 for Lakenheath Identfied?

[C24]

…and I was planning to visit a day or two earlier to decorate my tree as a celebration of their arrival

Never mind, it will probably rain.

[andygolfer]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/48thFW/ ... 326343625/

Not sure if this will work. Link from RAF Lakenheath Enthusiasts Group. Another F35 pic. Not sure if it's an old photo or new one of an upcoming aircraft. No tailcode to pinpoint.

That link says the group doesn't exist for me.

stealth technology?

[Alf]

I’ve nothing against the ‘A’ version, Trev: the one the RAF should have gone for

It will be carnage around LN on that day, and I for one can do without all that palaver just to see the first 3/4 of dozens, matey

Take care, me ol’ mucker

Think the RAF/RN should have gone for the 'C' version..

[Starbuck]

I’ve nothing against the ‘A’ version, Trev: the one the RAF should have gone for

It will be carnage around LN on that day, and I for one can do without all that palaver just to see the first 3/4 of dozens, matey

Take care, me ol’ mucker

Think the RAF/RN should have gone for the 'C' version..

That would have meant a partial redesign of the carriers which would have pushed costs up again.

[Starbuck]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/48thFW/ ... 326343625/

Not sure if this will work. Link from RAF Lakenheath Enthusiasts Group. Another F35 pic. Not sure if it's an old photo or new one of an upcoming aircraft. No tailcode to pinpoint.

That link says the group doesn't exist for me.

stealth technology?

As much fun as that would be, Facebook decided to block me accessing a group I'm a member of but I got back in

[Alf]

I’ve nothing against the ‘A’ version, Trev: the one the RAF should have gone for

It will be carnage around LN on that day, and I for one can do without all that palaver just to see the first 3/4 of dozens, matey

Take care, me ol’ mucker

Think the RAF/RN should have gone for the 'C' version..

That would have meant a partial redesign of the carriers which would have pushed costs up again.

True, I think Cameron's Gov planned switched to the 'C 'model but then backtracked once the redesign costs were realised.

[Starbuck]

Think the RAF/RN should have gone for the 'C' version..

That would have meant a partial redesign of the carriers which would have pushed costs up again.

True, I think Cameron's Gov planned switched to the 'C 'model but then backtracked once the redesign costs were realised.

It went back and forth between C an B more times than a Wimbledon final

[colp]

Another new pic from RAF Lakenheath fb page. Would be nice to see what the tailcode is.

https://www.facebook.com/15391946130272 ... 309671954/

[tommc]

Another new pic from RAF Lakenheath fb page. Would be nice to see what the tailcode is.

https://www.facebook.com/15391946130272 ... 309671954/

The tailcode looks like "LN" to me.

[colp]

Another new pic from RAF Lakenheath fb page. Would be nice to see what the tailcode is.

https://www.facebook.com/15391946130272 ... 309671954/

The tailcode looks like "LN" to me.

Sorry Tommy I meant the registration

[tommc]

Sorry Tommy I meant the registration

Ah, OK. I thought perhaps you were just viewing the image on a teeny tiny screen.

[colp]

Sorry Tommy I meant the registration

Ah, OK. I thought perhaps you were just viewing the image on a teeny tiny screen.

He he, yes I was, my mobile phone!

[DJADJA]

Confirmation that the 493rd FS will be the second 48th FW F-35A unit from the caption to a Lakenheath photo released on November 11:
"The 493rd Fighter Squadron celebrated the last DCC Ceremony that the squadron will have before the squadron inactivates officially before being reactivated and receiving F-35As, RAF Lakenheath, England, November 10, 2021."
Although it was expected, this is the first official confirmation I have seen.

[F4JPhantomII]

Apparently all the F-15C/Ds will have left Lakenheath by the end of February next year: https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/j ... picture-55

[Starbuck]

Apparently all the F-15C/Ds will have left Lakenheath by the end of February next year: https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/j ... picture-55

I'm not sure that's right, aren't they supposed to be having another jet all painted up in a new heritage scheme. Why would they do that then pack up and ship out?

[Alf]

Apparently all the F-15C/Ds will have left Lakenheath by the end of February next year: https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/j ... picture-55

I'm not sure that's right, aren't they supposed to be having another jet all painted up in a new heritage scheme. Why would they do that then pack up and ship out?

It's not unusual for a squadron to paint a jet up in a special scheme to celebrate the units retirement or change of aircraft type.

[Starbuck]

Apparently all the F-15C/Ds will have left Lakenheath by the end of February next year: https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/j ... picture-55

I'm not sure that's right, aren't they supposed to be having another jet all painted up in a new heritage scheme. Why would they do that then pack up and ship out?

It's not unusual for a squadron to paint a jet up in a special scheme to celebrate the units retirement or change of aircraft type.

Yeah but you would think it would be for the last few months, not something like just a few weeks?

That's my line of thinking anyway.

[Doughnut]

I'm not sure that's right, aren't they supposed to be having another jet all painted up in a new heritage scheme. Why would they do that then pack up and ship out?

It's not unusual for a squadron to paint a jet up in a special scheme to celebrate the units retirement or change of aircraft type.

Yeah but you would think it would be for the last few months, not something like just a few weeks?

That's my line of thinking anyway.

That would ne a nice idea, but remember the USAF paint these aircraft for the event, once the official USAF photos have be taken it is yesterdays news and the paint scheme can be removed or the aircraft sent else where.
None of it is for the spotters benefit.

[Starbuck]

It's not unusual for a squadron to paint a jet up in a special scheme to celebrate the units retirement or change of aircraft type.

Yeah but you would think it would be for the last few months, not something like just a few weeks?

That's my line of thinking anyway.

That would ne a nice idea, but remember the USAF paint these aircraft for the event, once the official USAF photos have be taken it is yesterdays news and the paint scheme can be removed or the aircraft sent else where.
None of it is for the spotters benefit.

Yeah, I'm just having wishful thinking, especially with how long The King lasted

[Alf]

So only 2 weeks today until the first F-35A are due to arrive for the 495FS,.. assuming no weather or tanker issues... could be a busy day at Lakenheath.. spotters, photographers , general public and media... get your parking spot early!!