US and Italian F-35B pilots conduct training for future flight test on Cavour aircraft carrier.

According to information published by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service on February 9, 2021, a Test Pilot of the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) and vertical landing (STOVL) training in an F-35B aircraft 23 Salty Dogs, conducts day-into-night training in an F-35B variant aircraft from the F-35 Patuxent River Integrated Test Force (ITF) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
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F-35B at Naval Air Station Patuxent River (Picture source: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)

These workup testing and training flights are integral to preparing F-35B pilots for the ITF (River Integrated Test) test team’s detachment to the Italian Navy aircraft carrier Cavour scheduled between February and March 2021.

During carrier-based flight test, also known as sea trials, ITF members with the engineering and test pilot expertise and experience will gather data that will verify compatibility between the 5th generation fighter aircraft and the Italian naval fleet's flagship. This information will contribute to certifying the ship for the Italian Navy’s operation of its own F-35Bs, adding a key weapon system to the carrier and increasing its expeditionary capability.

The F-35B Short take-off and landing for US Marine Corps is the first aircraft in history to combine stealth with short takeoff/vertical landing capability and supersonic speed. This distinction gives the F-35B the unique ability to operate from small ships, roads and austere bases.

The Cavour is an aircraft carrier in service with the Italian Navy launched in 2004. The ship was laid down by the Italian company Fincantieri in June 2001 and launched on July 2004. The ship was designed to combine fixed wing V/STOL (Vertical and/or Short Take-Off and Landing) and helicopter air operations, command and control operations and the transport of military or civil personnel and heavy vehicles. In December 2018, the Italian aircraft carrier undergoes a modernization plan including a metallic reinforcement of the flight deck to withstand the thermodynamic impact of the F-35B aircraft.