April 10 2025 In a significant feat of engineering for the military the U.S. Air Force has admitted a brand new stealthy fighter–nicknamed “Frankenjet”–into its fleet of operational aircraft. The aircraft, which is an F-35 variant reconstructed using the remnants of two damaged aircrafts, is an unusual and innovative decision in aviation’s history.
It was put together through Lockheed Martin technicians and Air Force engineers at Hill Air Force Base in Utah which is where the components of two separate F-35s – both declared nearly-total losses following distinct incidents –were rescued, strengthened and then reassembled into one, fully-equipped fighter.
Invention Borne from the need
“This isn’t just a restoration–it’s a resurrection,” said Lt. Col. Brian Thomas spokeswoman for Air Combat Command. “We were able to recover over $30 million in advanced technology and turn what would have been scrap into a fully functional stealth fighter.”
This initiative is amidst increasing pressure to increase budgets for defense and ensure capability while the U.S. faces evolving global threats. With the new F-35 production schedules in a state of stress Repurposing damaged units is an immediate, cost-effective option to fill gaps in fleet.
An Frankenstein equipped with full combat capability
While it’s called “Frankenjet,” the aircraft has all the safety and performance requirements, with stealth capability and avionics that have been fully restored. The aircraft has completed a number of flight tests and simulations and Air Force officials confirming it can now be used for mission purposes.
“It handles like any other F-35,” said Maj. Samantha Hayes, the test pilot who flew the first post-rebuild mission. “It’s a testament to the modularity of the platform and the ingenuity of our engineers.”