F-35C test aircraft CF-03 landed at 12:18 p.m. aboard USS Nimitz's (CVN 68) flight deck as a part of initial at-sea Developmental Testing I for the F-35C.
DT-I is the first of three at-sea test phases planned for the F-35C. During DT-I, the test team has scheduled two F-35C test aircraft from NAS Patuxent River, Maryland to perform a variety of operational maneuvers, including various catapult takeoffs and arrested landings.
The goal is to collect environmental data through added instrumentation to measure the F-35C's integration to flight deck operations and to further define the F-35C's operating parameters aboard the aircraft carrier.
The ITF test team will analyze data obtained during flight test operations, conduct a thorough assessment of how well the F-35C operated in the shipboard environment, and advise the Navy to make any adjustments necessary to ensure that the fifth-generation fighter is fully capable and ready to deploy to the fleet in 2018.
By 2025, the Navy's aircraft carrier-based air wings will consist of a mix of F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers electronic attack aircraft, E-2D Hawkeye battle management and control aircraft, MH-60R/S helicopters and Carrier Onboard Delivery logistics aircraft.
The goal is to deliver the operational aircraft to the fleet in 2018.
cpf.navy.mil
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