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Image from the net
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OCT 20 2017
The UK Ministry of Defence has cleared the F-35 Lightning
II fighter jet for take-off from the deck of the Royal Navy's Queen
Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The clearance follows successful completion of ski-ramp
trials on-board the British flagship vessel.
UK Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin said: “Successful
ski-ramp trials mean the F-35 is cleared to fly from the carrier as the
momentum continues for this game-changing jet.
“This milestone comes as our pilots and planes prepare to
return from the US, ready for next year’s unforgettable flight trials from the
deck of the nation’s new flagship.”
Baldwin confirmed that the F-35 Integrated Test Force,
which includes five pilots from the UK, has successfully completed the ski-ramp
trials milestone.
The British Royal Navy currently possesses 12 F-35 aircraft
in the US, which are being tested ahead of a series flight trials slated for
next year.
An additional two aircraft are also scheduled to be
delivered by the end of the year.
"This milestone comes as our pilots and planes
prepare to return from the US, ready for next year’s unforgettable flight
trials from the deck of the nation’s new flagship."
The trials will be carried out from the navy’s 65,000t
HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.
Prime contractor Lockheed Martin has designed the F-35
fighter jet to allow it to combat and defeat the most advanced threat systems
both in the air and on the ground, in addition to those expected to emerge in
the future.
As a fifth-generation fighter, F-35 is equipped with
advanced stealth capabilities, enhanced agility and manoeuvrability, sensor and
information fusion, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment.
The aircraft also features the latest technology that
provides greater survivability, situational awareness and effectiveness for
pilots, along with improved readiness and reduced support costs.
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