An innovative approach has brought an F-35A Lightning II fighter jet back into full service after undergoing complex repairs involving parts from two separate jets. The F-35 Joint Program Office, in coordination with Lockheed Martin and the 388th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group, engineered this unique aircraft, dubbed the “Frankenjet,” by combining the nose of the AF-27 with the body of the AF-211. This initiative aimed to optimize taxpayer funds and restore an operational aircraft.
The repair project, which began in 2022, involved salvaging components from two jets that had suffered significant damage in previous incidents. The AF-27 had experienced an engine fire in 2014 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, while the AF-211 encountered a nose landing gear malfunction in 2020. The restoration process lasted over two years and was completed at a cost of $11.7 million, nearly $3 million below the initial estimate. This effort resulted in a savings of $63 million for the Department of Defense.
The newly refurbished jet, stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, embarked on its first flight on January 24, marking its journey to Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, for final maintenance checks. It officially returned to operational status on March 26 and is now part of the 4th Fighter Generation Squadron, 388th Fighter Wing. Hill Air Force Base has become a hub for refurbishing damaged jets, using the process to train airmen and potentially return the aircraft to service.
In a related achievement in 2020, Hill Air Force Base mechanics successfully reattached the wings to another damaged F-35A, using its fuselage to aid in training crew chiefs and maintainers for combat damage repair, demonstrating the base’s growing expertise in aircraft restoration.
The Bottom Line
- This project demonstrates the potential for significant cost savings in military aircraft maintenance, potentially influencing future repair strategies and budget allocations.
- The successful restoration of the F-35A highlights the innovative engineering capabilities within the military, which could lead to more efficient use of resources.
- Hill Air Force Base’s role as a repair hub suggests potential growth in local employment and economic activity, benefiting the surrounding community.
- By repurposing damaged aircraft, the project bolsters military readiness, ensuring more aircraft are available for service.
- Training opportunities provided by such repair projects contribute to skill development among service members, enhancing the overall expertise of military personnel.
