The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.
In July 2019 RAF 207 (OCU) Squadron was reformed at RAF Marham after six years of training at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. Here they learned about the new Lockheed Martin F-35B, technical data as well as the flight capabilities of the aircraft. Lockheed Martin F-35B s/n 169598 was received by the RAF in October 2018 and assigned ZM151. On November 16, 2018 the aircraft was sent to RAF Marham 617 Squadron “Dambusters” before going to 207 (OCU) Squadron in July 2019 where it will be used to train new F-35B pilots.