F-35 Lightning II spotted over West Berkshire

Cutting edge fighter makes its Farnborough Airshow debut

WEST Berkshire residents caught a glimpse of a cutting edge fighter jet yesterday (Tuesday).

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, or Joint Strike Fighter, roared across the district on its way to the Farnborough International Airshow.

And there was a double treat for aviation enthusiasts as the stealth multi-role fighter was accompanied by a KC-130 Hercules.

Heads turned skyward and workers rushed to office windows upon hearing the roar of the fighter's Pratt and Witney jet engine as it buzzed the district.

The pictured aircraft were snapped by NewburyToday photographer Phil Cannings, whose picture has reached more than 32,000 people via NewburyToday's Facebook page.

Up to five F-35s, including UK, USAF and USMC variants, are expected at the Farnborough Airshow.

The MoD has taken delivery of its first F-35B and the aircraft is due to enter service in 2018.

The F-35B features Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capability, similar to that used by the British Harrier, allowing it to operate from remote airstrips and the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

Watch the F-35B make its first STOVL landing in the UK here: