Airshow ban on new RAF jets that melt the runways

THE RAF's new fighter jets will not be allowed to make stunning vertical landings at air shows across Britain this summer, in case they melt the runways.

- Marco Giannangeli

Just like predecessor Harrier Jump jets, retired in 2010, the F-35B Lightning can hover and come straight down to land.

While unable to take off vertically, the new state-of-the-art jet requires only a short runway.

But its pilots can transform the aircraft from a conventional horizontal flyer to a vertical lander with just a push of a button.

This is achieved using vertical thrust and a massive vertical turbofan engine hidden in the fuselage. It makes it possible to land like a helicopter in very tight spaces to wow show crowds.