First external weapons test flight for the F-35C, US Navy's carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter

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Naval Forces News - USA
 
 
 
First external weapons test flight for the F-35C, US Navy's carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter
 
The carrier variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter flew for the first time with external weapons June 27. Navy test pilot Lt. Christopher Tabert flew CF-1 with inert AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles on port and starboard pylons to measure flying qualities and aircraft vibrations.
     
The carrier variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter flew for the first time with external weapons June 27. Navy test pilot Lt. Christopher Tabert flew CF-1 with inert AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles on port and starboard pylons to measure flying qualities and aircraft vibrations.
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 departs Mayport, Fla. June 29 with four Fire Scout aboard USS Klakring (FFG 42). With a record number of Fire Scouts aboard the ship, the Navy’s goal is to significantly increase maritime surveillance support to combatant commanders.
(Picture: U.S. Navy)
     
The F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches and deck landing impacts associated with the demanding aircraft carrier environment. F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

Source: US Naval Air Systems Command