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US Air Force's 'Frankenjet' F-35A Becomes Fully Operational After Groundbreaking Repair

The innovative rebuild combined parts of two damaged F-35s, saving $63 million and setting a precedent for advanced military asset management.

An F-35A Lightning II, known as “Frankenjet” and assigned to the 4th Fighter Generation Squadron, 388th Fighter Wing, returns to Hill Air Force Base on March 26, 2025. The aircraft previously underwent final maintenance at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, before reentering operational service.
Personnel at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, reposition a salvaged nose section from an F-35 airframe using a new Mobil Maintenance System in October 2023.

Overview

  • The 'Frankenjet,' constructed from parts of two damaged F-35A fighter jets, is now fully operational and assigned to Hill Air Force Base.
  • The project merged the nose section of AF-27, damaged in a 2014 engine fire, with the rear section of AF-211, damaged by a 2020 landing gear failure.
  • Completed at a cost of $11.7 million, the initiative saved the US Air Force $63 million compared to procuring a new F-35A.
  • The rebuilt fighter underwent rigorous testing, demonstrating performance equivalent to a newly produced aircraft during its January 2025 test flight.
  • This first-of-its-kind repair effort highlights the potential for innovative maintenance practices to enhance fleet readiness and reduce costs.