Mystery Surrounds Missing F-35B: 12 Facts You Need to Know

Advanced Fighter Jet: The F-35B Lightning II, now missing, is considered one of the world's most advanced fighter jets, known for its versatility and capabilities.

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Mysterious Disappearance: The F-35B went missing in a rather mysterious turn of events after the pilot safely ejected, leaving experts puzzled about its whereabouts.

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Joint Base Charleston: The incident occurred near Charleston, South Carolina, home to Joint Base Charleston, which has been actively involved in locating the missing jet.

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Public Assistance: In an unusual move, the U.S. military sought the public's assistance in locating the missing aircraft, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

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Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501: The jet belonged to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, responsible for training pilots and support crews on the F-35.

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Training and Demonstrations: Besides training, the squadron is involved in airshow demonstrations, showcasing the capabilities of the F-35 to the public.

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Transponder Mystery: It remains unclear whether the jet's transponder, a crucial tracking device, was operational at the time of the incident.

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Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion: Search efforts have been focused on the areas around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, suggesting the military's estimation of the jet's trajectory.

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Aircraft Cost: An F-35B like the missing one is estimated to cost around $80 million, highlighting the significant financial impact of the disappearance.

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Previous Incidents: This incident is reminiscent of a 2018 F-35B crash in South Carolina, caused by a faulty fuel tube, leading to inspections of the entire F-35 fleet.

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Air Force Incidents: Other F-35 variants, including the F-35A, have experienced incidents, including an Air Force crash due to wake turbulence confusion.

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Human Error: In 2019, an F-35A crash in Japan was attributed to human error, further emphasizing the complexities of operating these advanced jets.

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