Italy Set To Become Third Country To Fly F-35 Fighter Jets From Aircraft Carrier
February 17, 2021
After the US and the UK, Italy will soon become the third country to fly the ‘world’s most-advanced’ F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters from an aircraft carrier. The country’s ‘Cavour’ carrier is set to undergo the first trials with the fifth-generation fighter jets.
Developed by American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, the F-35 is often described as the most sought-after fighter on the planet because of its advanced avionics, stealth technology, and other modern features.
While Italy’s military already possesses an F-35 fleet, the ability to fly them off its aircraft carrier will be a crucial step towards further strengthening its military might.
Italian Navy carrier Cavour arrives in US for F-35B flight certification
17 February 2021
by Luca Peruzzi & Michael Fabey
The Italian Navy’s aircraft carrier ITS
Cavour
arrived at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia on 13 February to conduct F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter ‘Ready for Operation’ certification trials.
ITS
Cavour
arriving in Norfolk Naval Station for the F-35B certification campaign.
(US Navy)
During the trials, Italian Navy pilots will learn to safely land and launch the F-35B short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant and qualify for transition to the new aircraft.
The carrier-based flight tests, along with subsequent joint operations with US 2nd Fleet ships and aircraft, are meant to improve interoperability and strengthen the relationship between two NATO llies, US Navy (USN) officials said in a statement.
Italian Aircraft Carrier ITS Cavour Visits Norfolk Ahead of F-35B Testing
February 16, 2021 12:40 PM
Italian Navy flagship, aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550), arrives at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Feb. 13, 2021. US Navy Photo
Italian aircraft carrier ITS
Cavour (CVH 550) is in Virginia as part of its effort to become certified to operate the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
The ship arrived at Naval Station Norfolk on Feb. 13 and will work with a test team from the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) “to conduct sea trials, a series of tests and functional activities to create a safe flight operating envelope for the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the 5th generation aircraft aboard the recently upgraded ship,” reads a U.S. Navy news release.
Navy Helicopter Crews May Be Getting a New Armored Survival Vest
Sailors demonstrate the redesigned aircrew endurance survival vest, with improved ballistic protection, superior load distribution and a new universal color for deployment in a wider variety of terrains in December 2013. (Kelly Schindler/U.S. Navy)
16 Feb 2021
The Navy is shopping for a new armored vest for helicopter pilots and crew members and is asking manufacturers to submit their best design proposals.
According to a solicitation published on the official U.S. federal contracting site, Naval Air Systems Command is looking for a vest capable of protecting crews from hostile fires, and ensuring water survival in case of a maritime emergency.