The F-35C is currently conducting its final at sea trials onboard the USS George Washington before it is declared Initially Operational Capable (IOC). The F-35C is expected to be Fleet operational in 2018.
VX-23, the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron from NAS Patuxent River, MD and VFA-101 the US Navy’s first Fleet Replacement Squadron are conducting the F-35C third and final developmental test (DT-III) phase in the Atlantic Ocean.
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The F-35C is currently conducting its final at sea trials onboard the USS George Washington before it is declared Initially Operational Capable (IOC). The F-35C is expected to be Fleet operational in 2018.
VX-23, the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron from NAS Patuxent River, MD and VFA-101 the US Navy’s first Fleet Replacement Squadron are conducting the F-35C third and final developmental test (DT-III) phase in the Atlantic Ocean.
The view you see of the F-35C is from what is called “Vultures Row” on the aircraft carrier. The F-35 appears just before the 45 in the pattern, completes a touch and go, and then returns airborne into the pattern.
Top Photo: ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 14, 2016) An F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, assigned to the Grim Reapers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, the Navy’s F-35C Fleet replacement squadron, lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kris R. Lindstrom/Released)
h/t Miguelm Mendoza
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