F-35 stranded in Kerala: UK technicians arrive to restore stranded fighter jet; grounded since June 14 | India Information – Occasions of India

NEW DELHI: A group of UK aviation engineers arrived in Kerala on Sunday aboard a Royal Air Pressure Airbus A400M to start restore work on a British F-35B Lightning fighter jet that has remained stranded on the Thiruvananthapuram Worldwide Airport since June 14 following an emergency touchdown.In keeping with PTI, the British Excessive Fee mentioned the plane, a part of the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Service Strike Group, developed an “engineering challenge” that pressured the unscheduled touchdown. The jet, price over $110 million, is now set to be moved to the airport’s Upkeep, Restore and Overhaul (MRO) facility.“The plane shall be moved to the hangar as soon as UK engineering groups arrive with specialist gear, thereby guaranteeing there’s minimal disruption to scheduled upkeep of different plane,” a British Excessive Fee spokesperson mentioned.Officers confirmed that the jet couldn’t return to the provider as a consequence of tough sea circumstances. A preliminary evaluation by engineers aboard HMS Prince of Wales concluded that repairs required specialised UK-based personnel and instruments.The F-35B is the world’s solely fifth-generation stealth fighter able to brief take-off and vertical touchdown, designed for operations from smaller carriers and austere airfields.Safety across the plane stays tight. An armed Central Industrial Safety Pressure (CISF) detachment continues to protect the jet, parked at Bay 4 of the airport. Thiruvananthapuram airport officers have coordinated with native companies to offer logistical help, together with meals and lodging for the visiting technical crew.Opposite to social media stories, the pilot was not stationed beside the plane post-landing however was relocated to the terminal’s Emergency Medical Centre together with technicians for relaxation, based on sources.The Indian Air Pressure had earlier mentioned it was offering all needed help for the “rectification and subsequent return” of the jet. Thiruvananthapuram is a delegated emergency diversion web site for British navy plane working within the area.The British Excessive Fee mentioned the plane would resume service in spite of everything needed repairs and security checks. “Floor groups proceed to work carefully with Indian authorities to make sure security and safety precautions are noticed. We thank the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram worldwide airport for his or her continued help,” the spokesperson added.The HMS Prince of Wales Service Strike Group had participated in joint workouts with the Indian Navy earlier this month.(Inputs from PTI)