USAF restores F-35A from wrecks for $6M

The U.S. Air Force has successfully restored an F-35A Lightning II, dubbed the 'Franken-bird', by merging components from two damaged aircraft. This groundbreaking project, a first for the Air Force, was led by airmen from the 388th Fighter Wing and involved collaboration with the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin. The two aircraft were damaged in separate incidents: one from a nose gear collapse in 2020 and the other from an engine fire in 2014. The restoration process, which cost around $6 million, included extensive rewiring and reassembly, with the mechanics creating specialized tools to facilitate the integration of parts. After passing functional tests at Hill Air Force Base, the aircraft is set to return to service following final certification at Lockheed Martin's facility in Texas. This innovative approach not only salvages costly materials but also provides valuable insights for future aircraft repairs.