FSX Royal Navy F-35B 800 NAS

This free enhancement adds a crisp Royal Navy-inspired exterior design to Dino Cattaneo’s Lockheed Martin F-35B model, featuring an 800 Naval Air Squadron motif from a Sea Harrier unit once based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset before the retirement of that legacy aircraft in 2006. Created by Ash Jackson, this semi-fictional paint scheme provides an interesting glimpse of what a Lightning II FA.1 might look like if it carried on the 800 NAS lineage within Microsoft Flight Simulator X. This package does not include the original F-35B model; you must obtain it from the Fly Away Simulation freeware library in order to use the texture files.

Distinctive Royal Navy Style

Incorporating elements reminiscent of 800 Naval Air Squadron’s former Sea Harriers, this livery emphasizes markings and insignia adapted to the more modern stealth airframe. The real-world F-35B is the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the fifth-generation Lightning II, renowned for its advanced radar-evading profile. This repaint merges the historical squadron identity with today’s cutting-edge stealth capabilities, offering a balanced fusion of tradition and innovation.

Applying the Texture Files

Begin by unpacking the downloaded RAR package to a convenient location on your system. Locate the folder labeled Texture.bRN800 and move it into your existing F-35B directory (normally found under “Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes\F-35B”). Once the new texture folder is in place, you must insert a new entry in your Aircraft.cfg file in order for the repaint to appear in your simulator’s aircraft selection menu.

Sample Aircraft Configuration Entry

Copy the section below and paste it into the Aircraft.cfg file. Replace “XOXO” with the next available sequence number to ensure it does not conflict with other paint schemes.

[fltsim.XOXO] title=Lightning II FA.1, 800 NAS sim=F-35B model= panel= sound= texture=bRN800 kb_checklists=F35B_check kb_reference=F35B_ref atc_id=F35 atc_airline=Navy atc_flight_number=124 ui_manufacturer="Lockheed Martin" ui_type="Lightning II FA.1" ui_variation="800 NAS, Royal Navy" ui_typerole="Single Engine Jet" ui_createdby="Dino Cattaneo" description="The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine, stealth-capable military strike fighter, a multirole aircraft that can perform close air support, tactical bombing, and air defense missions. The F-35 has three different models; one is the conventional takeoff and landing variant, the second is short takeoff and vertical-landing variant, and the third is a carrier-based variant. The F-35 is descended from the X-35, the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Its development is being principally funded by the United States, with the United Kingdom and other partner governments providing additional funding. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems as major partners.[7] Demonstrator aircraft flew in 2000, with the first flight on 15 December 2006."

Notable Features

• Historically Inspired: Pays tribute to 800 NAS, a prominent Sea Harrier squadron from RNAS Yeovilton.
• Modern Stealth Integration: Retains the shape and advanced systems of the F-35B, complete with STOVL functionality.
• High-Detail Exterior: Sharply defined markings and unit insignia that reflect Royal Navy heritage.
• Simple Installation Process: Minimal steps to integrate this scheme into your existing F-35B setup.

Acknowledgments

This texture package was developed by Ash Jackson and is intended for use with Dino Cattaneo’s freeware Lockheed Martin F-35B model. Enjoy exploring tactical missions or carrier operations with a unique Royal Navy visual twist.