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
-
Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray completes testing
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation was selected in 2021 to build and test and Manta Ray unmanned underwater vehicle (UUVs). A second platform has been under development by PacMar Technologies.
-
Steel to be cut for first Polar Security Cutter this year, claims US Coast Guard commandant
The delivery of the first PSC was initially scheduled for 2024, but the design phase of the programme was delayed multiple times.
-
US Navy takes delivery of New Jersey SSN
The USN’s Virginia-class SSNs are replacing the old Los Angeles-class SSNs. The Virginia-class SSNs are fitted with the latest sensors and weapons and around 48 submarines are planned, with a total of 38 currently ordered.
-
VARD and Fincantieri launch Resilience ship family to target Norway’s standardised vessel needs
VARD and Fincantieri’s announcement to launch the VARD Resilience series came only weeks after Norway’s new long-term 2025–36 defence plan.