Keywords: Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - An F-35C test aircraft is brought to launch position on a test catapult..jpg PATUXENT RIVER Md July 19 2011 An F-35C test aircraft CF-3 is brought to launch position on a test catapult by Navy test pilot Cmdr Eric Magic Buus The test demonstrated proper catapult hook-up in preparation for the first launches at Lakehurst N J scheduled for later this month CF-3 is the designated carrier suitability test aircraft The F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control in the demanding carrier take-off and landing environment The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River before eventual delivery to the fleet Photo by Michael D Jackson courtesy of Lockheed Martin/Released 110719-O-GR159-001 http //www flickr com/photos/usnavy/5977970856/ An F-35C test aircraft is brought to launch position on a test catapult 2011-07-19 14 16 http //www flickr com/people/56594044 N06 Official Navy Page from United States of America Michael D Jackson/Lockheed Martin/U S Navy Attribution License XMP-photoshop Source Navy Visual News Service PD-USGov-Military-Navy Official U S Navy Imagery http //flickr com/photos/56594044 N06/5977970856 2012-11-14 13 57 02 cc-by-2 0 2011 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River F-35C Lightning II at Naval Air Station Patuxent River |