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.