Hot pit refuelling – the process of refuelling an aircraft while its engine remains running – allows F-35Bs to return to the air with minimal turnaround time, helping maintain operational agility and combat readiness.
The exercise brought together personnel from both RAF stations, with Marham's ground crews receiving hands-on training in hot pit refuelling procedures. While the visiting personnel were the focus of the training, RAF Coningsby's experienced teams operated the refuelling bowsers throughout the exercise, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Group Captain Andy Hampshire, Station Commander at RAF Coningsby, said:
"Hot pit refuelling is a demanding and highly skilled procedure, and exercises like this are exactly how we maintain and share that expertise. RAF Coningsby is proud to support our colleagues from Marham and to play our part in keeping the F-35B fleet at the peak of its operational capability."
Conducted in a realistic operational environment, the training allowed personnel to practise the specialist procedures required to refuel aircraft safely and efficiently while maintaining maximum readiness.
The exercise reflects the close working relationship between RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham as the two home bases of the UK's F-35B Lightning Force and highlights the importance of shared training in sustaining frontline capability.
Group Captain Hampshire added:
"This is about ensuring that wherever our aircraft are operating – at home or deployed – the ground crews supporting them have the skills, training and confidence to keep them flying. This exercise was a strong example of that commitment in action."
