Debut of the RAF F-35B Lightning Role Demo - Cosford Air Show 2024

The first ever public display by the RAF's new F-35B Lightning role demonstration was staged at the RAF Cosford Air Show 2024.
Video by Adam Landau

[@ThisisFlight]

We'll publish a 1 hour, narrated Airshow Dispatches film recapping every act that flew at the show in the next few days; stay tuned for more.

[@aviation5689]

Seeing all the flight surfaces move during that slow pass was incredible.

[@jameshardie9914]

So nice to see the F35 doing a full demonstration including engaging afterburners, unfortunately I missed it due to having to leave due to booking the train back too early

[@anguscooper8132]

This was definitely the closest fast jet display of the day. Like you say the fact that its following a simpler format gives it an edge in this case. Plus it really seemed to enhance its presence with the topside and pull-ups etc. Very good display indeed 👌

[@paulellam6926]

Ace footage, amazing plane, many thanks for sharing this!

[@Table101]

Fair play to the RAF for setting up a role demo! Very excited to see this at true air tattoo. Hopefully it paves the way for a full aerobic display in a couple of years time. Good amounts of burner to. How did it feel for you Adam?

[@ThisisFlight]

Highlight of the day both for me and for other friends who attended. It's not as sophisticated as a true display, but in some ways that's an advantage: the simpler display profile allows more focus on keeping the passes right on the 230m line. This was the closest and the most in-your-face jet performance of the day.

[@Table101]

@@ThisisFlight even more than Couteau? Wow. There is some great photo opportunities in there too. I’m just starting out as a photographer With my first airshow with a camera being duxford last week. I have a 70-300mm lens. Any tips/suggestions?

[@ThisisFlight]

I haven't taken stills for years and was never very good at it, that's one area where I can't offer advice I'm afraid!

[@Table101]

@@ThisisFlight all good. Cosford looked great especially with Couteau delta and the f-35. In not fully set on the Typhoon yet. I know it’s hard to tell as it’s only a flat display but I’m not sure.

[@josephmarkey9096]

​@@Table101 Flat displays on Typhoon demonstrate its turning and acceleration very well. Also, the noise! Low cloud traps the sound in. It's also easier to see the afterburner "carrots". It's full aerobatic capability however is best demonstrated in time to height climbs and loops. The F-35 may yet claim it's crown though. It's been unimpeachable for the last decade on the UK circuit.....😎

[@user-hs1mk1lx8q]

Missed Cosford due to bad arthritis though I’d booked a ticket and mobility scooter. Next year I hope! Good footage. Thanks

[@connorredshaw5650]

Hoping to do Cosford next year. Hopefully the F-35 demo display will return next year.

[@thecorknicehero3073]

Was the hovering demo the loudest or was it it’s afterburner passes?

[@ThisisFlight]

The hover, by far.

[@Jacob-qt1nt]

@@ThisisFlight i was there also, i did not expect the hover to be THAT loud, insanity

[@Phoenix-Melt]

Great video! I'm still yet to transfer all my vids. May I know what camera you use for capturing videos?

[@ThisisFlight]

Panasonic HC-X1500 and Manfrotto 504 (the latter having been customised for airshow filming).

[@Phoenix-Melt]

@@ThisisFlight thanks. This was the camera I was looking for last xmas. But then few priorities for the budget. So maybe this year I can have an upgrade. Saw you in maf... But I wasn't able to say hi as I saw you a bit busy. Waiting for your dispatch episode for cosford!

[@thecorknicehero3073]

3:14 what was the feather flapping movements on the yaw and the flaps on the F35B, was it wing walking in the sky 😂😂😂

[@chrisfletcher86]

Difficult to know if that was intentional or doing a high alpha pass is very difficult and required constant adjustments!

[@forzaelite1248]

@@chrisfletcher86 plane does it on its own, pilot can essentially be hands off w/ autothrottle

[@grabir01]

Cool. But can it turn?

[@Cromwells_Wart]

Great footage! After sitting for 3 hours in traffic to get into the base last year plus the pitiful line up, I swore id never attend Cosford. Looking at the line up this year again my decision was vindicated. Really poor once again.

[@cujoway]

yep and u missed the fun of 2 hours getting off the car park too

[@ThisisFlight]

I can only speak for myself, but I arrived just before 8 and queued for about 5 minutes to get in, and drove out at 18:30 with only around 10 minutes of traffic delays.