Lightning jets that can’t fly through lightning: Fears new £100m RAF fighter’s fuel tanks could explode if struck by a bolt

‘RAF pilots have been banned from flying the new Lightning II fighter jets in a storm over fears the £100million plane could explode if struck by lightning.

The Ministry or Defence said that the stealth F35-B, which has been plagued by design flaws and technical setbacks, could not be flown within 28 miles of a thunderstorm.

Named ‘Lightning II’, it was even at risk of its namesake while on the ground with pilots told to move it under cover if less than 11 miles away from a storm.’

Read more: Lightning jets that can't fly through lightning: Fears new £100m RAF fighter's fuel tanks could explode if struck by a bolt