US F-35Cs qualify for carrier operations
An F-35C Lightning II prepares to land on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (Photo: USN/ Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caden Richmond)
The US ‘most advanced carrier wing’ has been qualified for Carrier operations following four days of flight deck operations earlier this month.
Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2), operating from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, is now ready for future deployments.
CVW-2 includes USN F-35Cs from Strike Fighter Squadron 147, which was selected as the first operational squadron to transition to the F-35C in early 2018.
The Lockheed Martin F-35C features a broader wingspan than other variants of the Joint Strike Fighter, and Shephard Defence Insight notes the aircraft has more robust landing gear designed to withstand the strain of carrier landings.
The aircraft also features folding wingtips.
CVW-2’s fixed-wing component also includes Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets, F/A-18Es and EA-18G Growlers, as well as the Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft.
The USN previously upgraded USS Carl Vinson to accommodate F-35C operations.
This story was updated on 25 June with a new picture.
More from Investing in Tomorrow (Studio)
-
![First F135 engine depot outside of US is approved]()
First F135 engine depot outside of US is approved
Netherlands F135 engine maintenance facility has been approved for initial depot capability.
-
![Lockheed Martin to continue network-centric weapons capabilities work for F-35]()
Lockheed Martin to continue network-centric weapons capabilities work for F-35
Lockheed Martin carries on developing network-enabled weapons and electronic-attack capabilities for F-35 operators in the US and allied air forces.
-
![Against a rapidly evolving air defence picture, SkyKeeper has all threats covered (Studio)]()
Against a rapidly evolving air defence picture, SkyKeeper has all threats covered (Studio)
Evolving air defence requirements drove the development of Lockheed Martin UK's SkyKeeper BMC4I solution.
-
![SkyKeeper – the enabler of air defence in the digital age (video)]()
SkyKeeper – the enabler of air defence in the digital age (video)
In response to evolving air defence challenges, Lockheed Martin UK has developed SkyKeeper - a next-generation Battle Management Command and Control capability.
-
![F-35 takes Swiss spoils to maintain remarkable European sales record]()
F-35 takes Swiss spoils to maintain remarkable European sales record
In what amounted to a fairly one-sided contest, the F-35A has emerged as the winner of Switzerland's Air2030 procurement, with Bern opting to buy 36 of the fifth-generation jets.
-
![Lockheed Martin to integrate new weapons into F-35]()
Lockheed Martin to integrate new weapons into F-35
Three ‘unique weapons capabilities’ will be installed on F-35A and F-35B aircraft, says NAVAIR.
