Jump jets could melt decks on new British aircraft carriers, tests show

May 24 2012

Joint strike fighter

NEW JUMP jets could melt the decks of Navy aircraft carriers, it is claimed.

Tests in the US found that exhaust fumes from the Joint Strike Fighters damaged the ships when they landed vertically.

Now its feared the Navys 6.2billion new warships will suffer the same problem.

It follows David Camerons humiliating U-turn over which planes to fly from the carriers.

Hed wanted to adapt the ships so that they could carry the conventional version of the Joint Strike Fighter, which cost up to 500million each.

The PM had already cancelled an order for Harrier-style jets placed by the last Labour government.

But he was forced to abandon his plans when costs soared. His bungling has cost taxpayers up to 250million.

Now the UK will have to go cap in hand to the Americans, who are developing a new super-tough deck coating to deal with the problem.

See original here:
Jump jets could melt decks on new British aircraft carriers, tests show