SUPERSONIC stealth aircraft made their first transatlantic flight last night, landing at RAF Fairford last night ahead of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).

Three F-35B planes took off from MCAS Beaufort in South Carolina for the 4,000 mile journey, refuelling 15 times with the help of two KC-10s.

  • See them in action in this video by the United States Marine Corps.

Designed to operate from bases and ships near frontline combat zones, the F-35B is seen as a multi-role aircraft that will see the west through the next three decades of air combat.

At a cost of $251million, the UK has ordered 14 F-35Bs which with support costs will come in at around £2.5bn.

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) takes place on the weekend of July 8-10. To find out more go to: www.airtattoo.com