The technical team has begun assessing the fighter jet, which has been towed to the airport's maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility
A CISF personnel stands guard near the British F-35 fighter jet that made an emergency landing after running low on fuel at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14 (PTI)
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A team of Royal Air Force aviation engineers and officials from the United Kingdom arrived here on Sunday morning to examine the British F-35B stealth fighter jet, which has been stranded at Thiruvananthapuram airport since June 14. The jet had made an emergency landing reportedly due to a technical issue and low fuel level.
The British team travelled on a Royal Air Force A400M Atlas transport aircraft. In the evening, the aircraft took off with the crew of the stranded jet, leaving behind the technical experts.
The technical team has begun assessing the fighter jet, which has been towed to the airport's maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility. Initially, the jet was parked at Bay 4 of the airport.
According to sources, a team of 17 experts has arrived at the airport to attempt reparis on the fighter jet. If they are unable to resolve the technical issue and make it flyable, the alternative would be to partially dismantle it and transport it back to the United Kingdom using a military cargo aircraft.
The British Royal Navy's advanced fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing on June 14 due to low fuel levels and a hydraulic failure.
The issue primarily involves a hydraulic system failure, which has rendered the jet unfit for flight. Hydraulics are critical in fighter jets, as they control essential functions such as landing gear, brakes and flight control systems.
The F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter is one of the most advanced and expensive jets in the world and is part of the UK's HMS Prince of Wales carrier strike group, currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific region. This group recently completed a joint maritime exercise with the Indian Navy.
In an interesting twist, Kerala tourism used the stranded F-35 in a witty social media campaign. A poster showcased the jet against the backdrop of coconut trees and lush greenery. The caption, attributed to the jet, read: "Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave. Recommend." It also gives the destination a five-star rating.
Previously, an unusual ad featuring the jet had also gone viral, listing it for $4 million.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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