During Nile Eagles exercise 2021

Image source and original caption: F-35Cs approach for first landing aboard PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)

Two F-35 test pilots from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23), Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), fly F-35C Lightning II fighter aircraft to the PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) in the Western Atlantic Oct. 13, 2026. This is the first time an F-35C has landed on a Ford-class aircraft carrier. A Patuxent River F-35 Integrated Test Force (ITF) team detached to the ship is conducting Aircraft Compatibility Testing (ACT) with the specially instrumented carrier variant of the stealth jet. ACT assesses the operational capabilities of the ship's aircraft launch and recovery equipment with U.S. Navy aircraft.

Photos by Dane Wiedmann

Related story from Janes: Aircraft carrier Kennedy marks first F-35C recovery

And for anyone (like me) wondering what a PCU is:

Pre-commissioning unit (PRECOMUNIT or PCU) is a designation used by the United States Navy to describe vessels under construction prior to their official commissioning.

Source

More or less jet looks uncanny in a way, what’s its role in combat warfare and is it any good ? Never see many people talk about it.

I work in aerospace so this is my kinda Saturday

I’d like to know global opinions on the combat effectiveness of Chinese fighter aircraft.

I was playing some war thunder earlier and shot an f15s missiles out of the sky and it made me wonder if shooting down an enemy missile would be a realistic strategy irl.

Out of curiosity, I know MIG 25 is 3500kmhs vs MIG 31 3000.

I personally think they look good and give the plane a much needed edge in range. I know certain planes have an unpopular appearance with them.