The “Franken-Bird”: A One-of-a-Kind F-35 Returns to Combat
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A unique F-35 stealth fighter, built from two wrecked jets, is set to make an unprecedented return to the US Air Force’s operational fleet.
Dubbed the “Franken-bird,” this salvaged jet was restored through a collaboration between airmen from the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), and Lockheed Martin.
The Birth of a “Franken-Bird”
The restoration began in January 2020, with actual repairs starting in late 2023 at Ogden Air Logistics Complex. The project was the first-ever attempt at fusing sections of two separate F-35s.
- AF-27: In 2014, an F-35 was severely damaged at Eglin Air Force Base after an engine fire burned most of its fuselage. It was used as a training airframe for years.
- AF-211: In 2020, another F-35 suffered a landing gear failure, destroying its nose section. The airframe and engine were stored at Hill Air Force Base.
Engineers determined that splicing the two aircraft together wouldn’t affect performance. Maintainers at the 4th Fighter Generation Squadron built unique tools and equipment to join the sections, marking a historic first in F-35 repair history.
A Remarkable Repair
Restoration included:
✅ Reinforcing the fuselage
✅ Reinstalling landing gear
✅ Rewiring avionics systems
✅ Rebuilding the cockpit
Despite being a challenging task, airmen gained valuable experience in heavy repairs—skills that will shape future maintenance strategies.
A Massive Cost-Saving Win
The “Franken-bird” restoration cost an estimated $6 million—a fraction of the $80+ million price tag for a brand-new F-35.
With the F-35 program’s total cost projected to exceed $2 trillion, Congress has questioned its efficiency amid cost overruns, delays, and performance issues. However, projects like this demonstrate how innovative repairs can keep costs down and planes flying.
What’s Next?
Following successful check flights in January 2024, the jet was sent to Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, for final certifications and stealth coating application. It is expected to return to combat duty in March 2024.
