Image source: topwar.ru
After more than a year of work, engineers and maintenance specialists from the US Air Force and Lockheed Martin successfully conducted a test flight of an F-35A fighter jet assembled from parts of two damaged vehicles, showing the relevant footage. This "constructor", which was started in 2023, was given the nickname "Frankenstein's bird" (Franken-Bird).
As indicated in the Flight Global publication, before starting work, Lockheed spent several years analyzing their feasibility.
- the pilots explained.
Image source: topwar.ru
Both airframes were damaged in separate accidents. The nose section of the F-35, numbered AF-211, could not be repaired when the aircraft's front landing gear came off in 2020. It was replaced by a similar section of the side, taken from the F-35 under the number AF-27, which burned out the engine in 2014.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Air Force took care of assembling the "constructor" as an experiment to find out if this approach could be used to restore the machines.
Image source: topwar.ru
- experts noted.
Image source: topwar.ru
After a successful test flight, the "new" F-35A was delivered to the Lockheed assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas, for final certification. Eventually, the aircraft will return to Hill Air Force Base to serve in the 4th Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Force.
Image source: topwar.ru
Despite the fact that the creation of Franken-Bird was technically difficult and time-consuming, the Air Force notes that it significantly saved money. As explained in the command, less than $ 6 million was spent on restoration, while the new F-35A costs at least $ 80 million.
