TWO of the RAF’s latest stealth fighters were spotted passing over North Yorkshire.

Part of the most expensive weapons system in military history, the F-35II Lightning is a fifth generation multi-role aircraft. At present 18 are in service with the RAF and Royal Navy.

An additional 30 jets are on order. It is hoped UK forces will eventually have 138 F-35Bs. The two planes flew in a low pattern over Ripon in North Yorkshire last Monday afternoon before making a low pass through RAF Leeming.

Although its top speed is Mach 1.6 or 1,200mph, the two pilots made a rather slower visit to the county. At its top G-rating, forces exerted on the pilot are similar to that felt in an Apollo space capsule on re-entry to Earth. Smaller than its counterpart, the Typhoon, at 51 feet in overall length, it has range of more than 1,000 miles and carries its weaponry internally.

Sophisticated electronics gave it estimated price tag of £190m some years ago.

Although manufactured by a US firm Lockheed Martin, the UK’s BAE systems make parts of the airframe and Rolls-Royce make the lift fan.

The rare sighting sent assembled plane spotters into raptures.

The aircraft are believed to part of the military exercise, Operation Crimson Warrior currently being conducted in the North-East and over the North Sea.