Navy modifies Ford- and Nimitz-class aircraft carriers to accommodate F-35C jet fighter takeoff, networking
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy is preparing its first two new Ford-class aircraft carriers to launch air attacks with the F-35C stealth fighter -- a move expected to transform maritime air attack and bring new mission options to Commanders. Kris Osborn at Warrior Maven reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
17 Dec. 2019 -- The F-35C joint strike fighter, which reached its initial operational capability earlier this year, not only brings stealth to the carrier air wing but also drone-like surveillance ability, improved air-to-air combat possibility, long-range targeting sensors and a new generation of computer networking technology.
The F-35C is being prepared for deployment aboard existing Nimitz-class carriers as well as for the first two next-generation Ford-class carriers, which are being modified to integrate with the emerging F-35C stealth fighter.
The carrier modifications being built into the third and fourth Ford-class carriers optimize carrier takeoff and landing for the F-35C and seek to ensure the new stealth fighter is networked to the ship and remaining carrier air wing. The Navy also has been making modifications to its Nimitz-class carriers for the F-35C.
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics