‘Franken-Lightning,’ Rebuilt From Two Damaged F-35s, Is Now Fully Operational

The repair that ultimately resulted in the creation of the Franken-Lightning took two years and five months to complete and cost $11.7 million—coming in $2.8 million under the projected budget. The F-35A AF-211, 17-5269, is an F-35A assembled from parts of two damaged airframes: AF-27, which suffered an engine fire in 2014, and AF-211, grounded […] The post ‘Franken-Lightning,’ Rebuilt From Two Damaged F-35s, Is Now Fully Operational appeared first on The Aviationist.

Apr 10, 2025 - 22:09
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‘Franken-Lightning,’ Rebuilt From Two Damaged F-35s, Is Now Fully Operational
Franken-Lightning

The repair that ultimately resulted in the creation of the Franken-Lightning took two years and five months to complete and cost $11.7 million—coming in $2.8 million under the projected budget. The F-35A AF-211, 17-5269, is an F-35A assembled from parts of two damaged airframes: AF-27, which suffered an engine fire in 2014, and AF-211, grounded […]

The post ‘Franken-Lightning,’ Rebuilt From Two Damaged F-35s, Is Now Fully Operational appeared first on The Aviationist.