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Powering the future

The F-35B Lightning II arrives in the UK

Continuing our STOVL legacy

Thanks to our ground-breaking LiftSystem®, the RAF marked its centenary year with the arrival in the UK of the only fifth-generation fighter aircraft in the world to use vertical lift technology.

The supersonic F-35B Lightning II is a single-seat, single-engine aircraft which can hover motionlessly, thanks to our state-of-the-art LiftSystem. Set to form the core offensive air capabilities of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force the of the future, and due to be in operation by December, the arrival of nine jets at RAF Marham this year heralded the revival of Britain's ability to launch sea-borne operations from aircraft carriers.

WATCH

We’ve been the industry leader in short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) technology for 60 years

Dave Gordon, Director UK - Defence and former F-35 Programme Director, has been leading the way on this game-changing project since its inception in 2002.

Dave Gordon, Director UK - Defence

We’ve been the industry leader in short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) technology for 60 years

Dave Gordon, Director UK - Defence and former F-35 Programme Director, has been leading the way on this game-changing project since its inception in 2002.

“It’s been incredible to be involved in the programme. From the initial development of the aircraft and LiftSystem, to ongoing support solutions, the teamwork and innovation on display is unmatched – it allows us to provide the brilliant, ongoing service that is expected of Rolls-Royce.”

Formerly the F-35 Programme’s Chief of Staff for the Ministry of Defence, Dave joined the Group in 2009 in order to continue his close work with the pioneering aircraft.

“After talking to the Force Commander for the F-35 and Tornado squadrons, we know that the LiftSystem provides real game-changing capabilities to the aircraft. We’re only just scratching the surface until it’s used extensively in service.

“We’re proud to continue supporting the RAF – from powering the Spitfire to providing new, ground-breaking capabilities to our modern aircraft. We’ve been there during every innovation that changes how the RAF operates, and we’ll continue to do so for another 100 years.”

The LiftSystem Programme represents one of the most strategically and financially important programs in the Rolls-Royce Defence portfolio.

Programme Director of JSF LiftSystem Sustainment, Lisa Bianchini has been a part of this program journey in various roles since 2001. “The LiftSystem program has entered an exciting phase – we are ramping up production while establishing operational and support capabilities across our global network of customer bases. At the moment, our multi-disciplinary team is supporting more than 80 jets across the US, Japan and the UK – anywhere the LiftSystem may go”.