F-35C Lands on Carrier

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An F-35C landed on an aircraft carrier for the first time Monday, advancing the flight testing of the Navy’s version of the strike fighter. Aircraft CF-03 landed aboard the USS Nimitz, (CVN 68) off San Diego, Calif., at 12:18 p.m. local time. The landing marks the start of a two-week series of catapult takeoffs and arrested landings, simulated maintenance work, and other shipboard handling activities with two F-35CS aboard the Nimitz. The Integrated Test Force from NAS Patuxent River, Md., will collect data about the F-35C in the shipboard environment and report on any adjustments needed to the aircraft or ship. The Navy expects to declare initial operational capability with the F-35C in 2018. The carrier variant differs from the Air Force F-35A in that it has larger wings and control surfaces, strengthened landing gear for carrier operations, and more range. By 2025, the standard carrier air wing will include EA-18 Growler electronic warfare jets, F/A-18E/F SuperHornet strike fighters, F-35C Lightning II strike fighters, E-2D Hawkeye air battle control aircraft, MH-60R/S helicopters, and carrier onboard delivery logistics aircraft. The Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike system, or UCLASS fighter-size remotely piloted aircraft, may also feature in one or two carrier air wings by then. (Watch the landing here.)

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org