The carrier variant of the F-35 (CF-1) Joint Strike Fighter flew for the first time with a Navy test pilot at the controls Feb. 11. Taking off at 2:06 p.m., Lt Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus flew the F-35C for approximately two hours. Buus' first flight in the CF-1 checked the function of the flutter excitation system, which will help measure structural loads of the airframe during various flight maneuvers.
"The aircraft flew great for more than two hours with no issues. It's a really smooth, solid flying airplane and a joy to fly," said Buus. "This flight was a great milestone for me, personally, and more importantly, for the services during the 100 year anniversary of naval aviation. This airplane is going to give us a great leap in capability, and I'm looking forward to putting it through the demanding carrier suitability tests required to ensure it's ready for the fleet."
WASHINGTON (BNS): The US Navy’s F-35C Joint Strike Fighter has made its first public appearance at an air show at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
