The F-35C Lightning II carrier variant successfully completed simulated aircraft carrier landing testing on 23 June 2010. During the testing, the test vehicle was dropped from heights of more than eleven feet during a series of simulated aircraft carrier landings. The tests validated predictions and will help confirm the structural integrity of the F-35C for carrier operations. The ground-test article, known as CG-1, underwent drop testing at Vought Aircraft Industries in Grand Prairie, Texas. No load exceedances or structural issues were found at any of the drop conditions. All drops were conducted at the maximum carrier landing weight for the F-35C.
