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The RAF’s new fighter jets will not be allowed to make vertical landings at air shows across Britain this summer – in case they melt the runways. Just like predecessor Harrier Jump jets,
retired in 2010, the F-35B Lightning can hover and come straight down to land. While unable to take off vertically, the new state-of-the art jet requires only a short runway. But its pilots
can transform the aircraft from a horizontal flyer to a vertical lander with just a push of a button. This is achieved using vertical thrust, and a massive vertical turbofan engine which is
hidden within the fuselage and makes it possible to land like a helicopter in very small spaces to wow air show crowds. Senior RAF chiefs says this will not be possible for fear its powerful
engines will melt the runway. The F-35B is usually either deployed from the decks of Royal Navy aircraft carriers, or RAF Marham in Norfolk, where the 1,855m runway was especially
strengthened as part of a £250million project to welcome the F-35s to the UK in 2018. Unfortunately, other airfields around the country do not have this, so the two fighter pilots who have
been assigned to the F-35B, pictured left, for the air show season will fly to events and then return to RAF Marham every day. “Specialist concrete is needed to avoid the dangerous exhaust
gases damaging certain runway surfaces,” Group Captain John “Butch” Butcher, who commands the UK’s Lightning Force, told Air Forces magazine. “This is why we will generally limit F-35B
participation to hovering,” he said. “The Lightning Force intends to primarily operate from RAF Marham rather than from the event location. “However, this may change depending on specific
circumstances or requirements.” Despite this, Group Captain Butcher has promised this will be the best air show season to date. “This year you will see a noticeable difference in F-35B
performances as we aim to deliver a more dynamic and interesting demonstration than in previous years,” he added. “We want to share the impressive sight of the F-35B to inspire and hopefully
attract the next generation of aviators – bring some hearing protection”.