F-35C carrier-variant test aircraft CF-3 has made its first catapult launch today (July 27) using the land-based steam catapult at NAS Lakehurst, where the U.S. Navy's version of the JSF is undergoing carrier suitability testing.

Source: https://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3aad00342f-3d8c-47ea-b3b3-afbfe02c64e2&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest

I wonder if it has the autopilot hands off take offs like the F/A-18's...probably does since that seems to be the new technology but curious none the less.

Edited July 28, 201114 yr by stoleit2x

Sweet...how many more years till we see it fly off the carrier? over under on 5?

Off any carrier? Under 5

I bet they will actually do carrier testing in the next 3.

Combat ready on a carrier will be 5+.

Vid: https://gizmodo.com/5825544/watch-the-screaming-first-ever-catapult-launch-of-the-killer-f+35

Also relevant: https://gizmodo.com/5825544/watch-the-screaming-first-ever-catapult-launch-of-the-killer-f+35

https://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123264068

Edited July 28, 201114 yr by LoneWolf121188

No barrel roll? That can't be considered a successful launch.

I think an 80's rock ballad to go along with it would have been nice

Did it get a CCIP yet?

Did it get a CCIP yet?

Why would it...useless. So is a gun or any kind of decent rearward visibility. This is the 21st century and the need for any of those will never come up again...ever.