F-35C Stealth Fighter Lands on Ford-Class Carrier for First Time
US Navy’s F-35C Lightning II completes milestone arrested landing aboard the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) in the.
The US Navy’s F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter has achieved a critical milestone, completing its first arrested landing on a Ford-class aircraft carrier. The historic test occurred aboard the future USS John F.
The Navy announced the test on October 15, confirming the aircraft belonged to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23), known as the “Salty Dogs.” The landing is part of an ongoing Aircraft Compatibility Testing (ACT) programme designed to evaluate how the carrier’s advanced launch and recovery systems interact with the F-35C.
Two VX-23 test pilots participated in the ACT programme, working alongside the F-35 Integrated Test Force and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). The team used a specially equipped F-35C to collect data on both the aircraft’s performance and the carrier’s systems during the landing. This data will help engineers assess the compatibility of the F-35C with the Ford-class carriers and identify any potential issues that may require further testing.
The Technology Behind the Landing
The F-35C is the carrier-based variant of the F-35 Lightning II, designed specifically for operations at sea. Unlike the Air Force’s F-35A, the F-35C features larger wings, reinforced landing gear, and a stronger tail hook to withstand the stresses of carrier take-offs and arrested landings. These modifications are critical for ensuring the aircraft can operate safely and effectively from the deck of a moving carrier.
The fighter is equipped with advanced stealth features, sensors, electronic warfare systems, and networked communications.
The US Marine Corps also operates the F-35C from aircraft carriers, further expanding the fighter’s role in naval aviation. However, the Navy has faced challenges in integrating the F-35C with the Ford-class carriers. Kennedy a critical step forward.
What Makes the F-35C Unique
Images released by the Navy showed two F-35C aircraft participating in the test.
The successful landing comes as the USS John F. Kennedy moves closer to entering active service. The Navy took preliminary acceptance of the carrier from Newport News Shipbuilding on September 29, 2024, following successful acceptance trials in August. Preliminary acceptance allows the ship and its crew to conduct further tests at sea and gain operational experience while the shipbuilder completes the remaining systems testing.
The Navy plans to take formal delivery of the ship in spring 2025, at which point it will officially join the fleet. The carrier’s ability to operate the F-35C will be a key factor in its readiness for deployment, as the fighter is expected to play a central role in future naval operations.
The F-35C’s first arrested landing on a Ford-class carrier is a milestone, but it is only one step in a broader testing and integration process. Engineers and test pilots will continue to evaluate the aircraft’s performance aboard the USS John F. Kennedy, ensuring that both the fighter and the carrier’s systems are fully compatible. The data collected during these tests will be critical in identifying any remaining issues and refining the operational procedures for future deployments.
As the Navy continues to modernise its fleet, the integration of the F-35C with the Ford-class carriers will be a defining factor in the service’s ability to project power and maintain air superiority in contested environments. The recent landing is a promising sign, but the work to fully integrate these advanced systems is far from over.
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