F-35C Lightning II Poster

Pilots fly F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter test aircraft CF-1 and CF-2 on a formation test flight in the Atlantic test range. The test flights included a formation takeoff and landing, and structural loads testing on CF-2. The F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches and deck landing impacts associated with the demanding aircraft carrier environment. The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at Naval Air Station Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet. (April 18, 2012 - Navy photograph courtesy of Lockheed Martin - Released).