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F-35 Stealth Fighter Repairs Completed & Departed From Trivandrum Airport: Rent Details Shocks Internet!
The British F-35B stealth fighter, which has been grounded at Trivandrum Airport since June 14, has finally departed this morning (July 22) following successful repairs.
On June 14, the F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to adverse weather conditions in the Indian Ocean. The aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales and landed safely in Kerala. While on the ground, it developed an engineering issue that prevented its return to the carrier.
Technical Challenges and Repairs
The British authorities attempted initial repairs after a hydraulic system failure was detected during pre-departure checks. A small team from the Royal Navy tried but failed to fix the issue. Subsequently, a 24-member British Royal Air Force crew, including 10 crew members and 14 technical experts, arrived in Kerala on July 6 to assess and repair the aircraft.
The F-35B is renowned for its advanced capabilities and is valued at over $110 million. It is unique as a fifth-generation fighter jet with short take-off and vertical landing abilities, making it suitable for operations from smaller decks and austere bases. The Indian Air Force provided assistance in addressing the technical issues.
Parking Fees Accumulation
During its stay at Thiruvananthapuram Airport, the F-35B incurred parking fees estimated by the Indian Defence Research Wing (IDWR) at Rs 26,261 per day (As reported by CNBC-TV 18). So, for the total time the F 35 was parked, Thiruvananthapuram could have easily accumulated more than Rs 10 lakh as rent alone.
The aircraft was moved from its initial position to a hangar on July 6 for detailed inspection by British engineers. It was parked at Bay 4 under close monitoring by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is typically reserved for VIP aircraft.
Return Preparations
Aviation engineers from the UK completed necessary repairs recently, paving the way for its return journey. The equipment and crew involved in maintenance are expected to return on a separate flight once their tasks are complete.
Reports also suggested that if further complications arise, disassembly or transportation using a large special aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster might be considered. However, since the repairs have been successfully carried out, the F 35 fighter jet has now successfully flew out of Trivandrum Airport this morning.
DriveSpark Thinks
The F-35B's grounding has attracted significant attention due to its advanced technology and high value. Its departure marks an end to over a month-long stay in India following unforeseen technical challenges.
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