Breaking news
F-35C Lightning II Deployed On Board USS Eisenhower for Second Phase of Developmental Test.
| 2015
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 2, 2015) An F-35C Lightning II carrier variant joint strike fighter assigned to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 makes an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The F-35C Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force is currently conducting follow-on sea trials aboard the Eisenhower. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anderson W. Branch/Released) |
|||
"The
follow-on sea trials of the F-35C are possible through the cooperation
and teamwork of the USS Eisenhower," said Andrew Maack, Chief Test
Engineer and Government Site Director of the Naval Variants ITF. "The
men and women of the Eisenhower have partnered with the Pax River ITF
test team in pursuit of a common goal - testing the F-35C in the at-sea
environment. Together, their expertise and full measure of hard work and
dedication will equip us with the data necessary to determine the path
ahead for the F-35C." The F-35C will perform a variety of operational maneuvers during DT-II - including catapult takeoffs and arrested landings - while simulating maintenance operations and conducting general maintenance and fit tests for the aircraft and support equipment. Following the analysis of DT-II test data, the team will conduct a thorough assessment of the F-35C's performance in the shipboard environment before advising the Navy on any adjustments necessary to ensure that the fifth-generation fighter is ready to meet its scheduled IOC in 2018. "These sea trials will further expand the F-35C's flight envelope," said Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "Over the next few weeks we'll learn more about what it takes to integrate next generation fighters aboard aircraft carriers. The testing we're doing today will prepare us for next year's final at-sea developmental test and keep us on track to support the Navy's 2018 initial operational capability date." The F-35C - the Navy's and Marine Corps' carrier-suitable variant (CV) - combines unprecedented at-sea stealth with fighter speed and agility, fused targeting, cutting-edge avionics, advanced jamming, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. With a broad wingspan, reinforced landing gear, ruggedized structures and durable coatings, the F-35C will stand up to harsh shipboard conditions while avionics equip the pilot with real-time, spherical access to battlespace information and commanders at sea, in the air and on the ground with an instantaneous, high-fidelity single picture view of ongoing operations. 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 continued success of F-35 Lightning II shipboard operations aid the development of the Navy's next generation fighter and reinforce Navy-industry partnership goals to deliver the operational aircraft to the fleet in 2018. Lockheed Martin is the aircraft contractor and Pratt & Whitney is the engine contractor. |
|||