F-35C Performs Successful Aircraft Carrier Quals

The Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Multi-role Fighter has had a long gestation period. The program was launched on 16 November 1996, after the Requirement issued in November 1994 and the Request for Proposals issued in December 1995. First flight of a developmental aircraft was 15 December 2006. First flight of F-35B was 11 June 2008. First flight of F-35A (pre-production representative) was 14 November 2009. First flight of F-35C was 6 June 2010. The F-35 has many versions.

Just announced was the successful carrier quals of the F-35C aboard the USS Nimitz, CVN-68 off San Diego waters. The F-35C was launched and trapped hooking the third arresting gear wire of four wires. A perfect trap as the third wire is the "sweet wire" goal on an aircraft carrier arrested landing by a US Naval Aviator.

Defense officials announced the first aircraft carrier tests of the Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Navy version stealth fighter have been completed successfully meeting all test requirements. The redesign of the tailhook was deemed effective. Next sea trials are scheduled for 2015 and for 2016. The US Navy expects the F-35C will be declared combat-ready in 2018. Production models of the F-35C are expected in 2017.