Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 17 hrs ago
F-35C Makes First Arrested Landing on a Ford-Class Carrier
A Navy F-35C made its first arrested landing on a Ford-class carrier on October 13, aboard the future USS John F. Kennedy in the Western Atlantic.
The arrested landing uses a hook on the aircraft to catch a cable and stop it on the flight deck.
Navy test pilots also launched an F-35C from the carrier during the test.
The Kennedy is the second ship in the Ford class, whose carriers use electromagnetic catapults and newer arresting equipment to launch and recover aircraft.
The test checks how the ship's systems work with the F-35C, a fighter designed for carrier operations.
The carrier has faced years of delays, and the Navy took preliminary acceptance of it in September after sea trials.
Formal delivery is expected in spring 2027, while testing and final systems work continue.
A U.S. Navy F-35C made its first arrested landing aboard a Ford-class aircraft carrier on Oct. 13.
The landing took place on the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) in the Western Atlantic.
Two test pilots from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 flew F-35Cs to the carrier as part of Aircraft Compatibility Testing.
The Navy is testing how the carrier’s aircraft launch and recovery systems work with Navy aircraft.
The Navy took preliminary acceptance of the carrier on Sept. 29, and formal delivery is expected in spring 2027.
- Who
- U.S. Navy F-35C test pilots from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23).
- What
- An F-35C made the first arrested landing by the type aboard a Ford-class carrier. VX-23 also launched an F-35C from the carrier for the first time.
- When
- Oct. 13, 2026.
- Where
- Aboard the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), in the Western Atlantic.
- Why
- The landing was part of Aircraft Compatibility Testing to assess the carrier’s aircraft launch and recovery equipment with Navy aircraft.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Navy took preliminary acceptance of John F. Kennedy, allowing the crew to conduct at-sea testing.
An F-35C made its first arrested landing aboard a Ford-class carrier on John F. Kennedy.
Formal delivery of the carrier is expected, according to TWZ and AOL; USNI News says delivery is planned for March.
- Carrier
- Future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79)
- Aircraft
- F-35C Lightning II
- Test squadron
- Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23)
- Landing date
- Oct. 13, 2026
- Testing
- Aircraft Compatibility Testing
- Preliminary acceptance
- Sept. 29, 2026