WESTERN ATLANTIC — An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23 “Salty Dogs”) successfully completed the first arrested landing and catapult launch aboard the future Ford-class supercarrier PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) on October 13–14, 2026.
The aircraft compatibility testing (ACT) campaign in the Western Atlantic marks the first time a fifth-generation stealth fighter has operated using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Unlike lead ship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which required post-delivery modifications to support stealth operations, CVN-79 was constructed under congressional mandate to integrate F-35C infrastructure—including JPALS landing architecture and ODIN/ALIS logistics networks—prior to fleet delivery. The milestone occurs as competitive peer programs advance, notably China’s PLAN Fujian (Type 003) supercarrier conducting operational flight trials with its catapult-capable J-35 fifth-generation fighter.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: F-35C / FORD-CLASS (CVN-79) CATAPULT & RECOVERY SUITE 
* Aircraft Platform & Unit: Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II / VX-23 “Salty Dogs” (Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division)
* Host Platform: Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) [Gerald R. Ford-class]
* Launch & Recovery Architectural Integration:
* Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS): Linear induction motor catapult replacing legacy steam launch systems, capable of tailored acceleration profiles reducing airframe stress
* Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG): Rotary electric motor-based water-brake system providing digital energy absorption for variable aircraft weights
* Aircraft Carrier Modifications & Avionics Interfaces:
* Precision Approach and Landing System: Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) GPS-based differential landing guidance
* Logistics & Maintenance Infrastructure: Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN) / ALIS security-cleared processing spaces and heavy-duty deck tie-down points
* Carrier Program & Schedule Parameters:
* CVN-79 Delivery Timeline: Revised target delivery of March 2027 following completion of AAG certification and Advanced Weapons Elevator (AWE) integration
* Peer Operational Benchmark: Chinese PLAN Type 003 Fujian EMALS carrier conducting CATOBAR evaluations with Shenyang J-35 stealth fighters
