F-35 makes first SRVL on HMS Queen Elizabeth
The first shipborne rolling vertical landing (SRVL) has been carried out by an F-35 Lightning fighter jet onboard the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, the navy announced on 15 October.
The SRVL method requires the jet to make a conventional landing approach, approaching the ship from behind at speed, before using thrust from its nozzle and lift created by air over the wings to touch down and gently come to a stop.
According to the navy, the UK is the only nation currently planning to use the manoeuvre, which will allow jets to land on board the carrier with heavier loads, meaning they won’t need to jettison fuel and weapons before landing.
HMS Queen Elizabeth is carrying out flying trials – on a deployment called Westlant 18 – along with escort ships HMS Monmouth and US destroyer USS Lassen.
The Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers will support the navy across the globe. Construction of HMS Prince of Wales, the second aircraft carrier in the class, is nearing completion at the Rosyth shipbuilding yard. HMS Queen Elizabeth is on track to deploy on global operations from 2021.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
