A new plane has winged its way to the gates of BAE Systems near Preston.

The full-scale model of a fifth generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft is now a gate guardian.

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It sits alongside the Samlesbury site’s main gate alongside the English Electric Lightning aircraft.

The Lightnings showcase the site’s heritage in developing and manufacturing world-class aircraft.

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Site general manager Simon Bee said: “The arrival of the F-35 Lightning II represents the present and bright future of advanced manufacturing at the Samlesbury site, and it is fitting it should sit alongside the Lightning which represents our proud heritage.

“We have more than 4,000 employees on site, around 1,200 of whom ensure we are delivering on our commitments to the programme, and I hope that coming to work each day past these icons of our past, present and future will make them feel proud.”

Samlesbury’s history with the Lightning began in November 1959 when the first production Lightning aircraft made its maiden flight from the site.

The gate guardian is built from a scanned digital model of the short take-off vertical landing variant of the F-35.

What do you think of the model? Do you work at BAE? Let us know in the comments below