Queen Elizabeth undergoes precision landing system certification
An F-35B prepares to land aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. (Photo: USN)
NAVAIR completed PALS and JPALS certification for the UK RN aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The US Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office (PMA-213) completed Precision Approach and Landing System (PALS) certification on HMS Queen Elizabeth in March, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced on 16 April.
This marked 'a critical step in readying the ship for its first operational deployment’ at the head of an RN carrier strike group, NAVAIR added.
PALS includes the AN/SPN-41B Instrument Carrier Landing System, previously installed by PMA-213 under the FMS programme, and the AN/USN-3 Joint Precision and Approach Landing System (JPALS) system.
JPALS is installed on HMS Queen Elizabeth to support the future embarkation of USMC F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211.
Coincidentally, the final certification flights for Queen Elizabeth were completed on the same day that another team from PMA-213 carried out PALS certification for the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour off the US east coast.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy]()
UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
-
![US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations]()
US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations
The NEREUS project aims to enhance and expand the US Navy’s existing communications systems, enabling crewed/uncrewed seabed and subsurface missions.
-
![How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities]()
How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
-
![US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo]()
US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
-
![RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand]()
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
