Aviation Week was invited to observe the U.S. Navy’s first operational testing on an aircraft carrier. The test period began Aug. 22 and includes six Lockheed Martin F-35Cs and 30-40 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. Test results will help the service determine if the aircraft is ready for combat in 2019.
Read about the challenges the Navy faces in preparing the F-35C for combat: Uncertainty Surrounds F-35C Combat-ready Date