The Navy version of the F-35 made its first night flight off an aircraft carrier on Thursday near the end of two weeks of at-sea testing aboard the USS Nimitz. Two Lockheed Martin F-35C jets on the carrier have already met 95 percent of the requirements for the first of three rounds of sea-based tests, proving to be more reliable and performing better than expected, Navy test pilots told reporters. By midday Thursday, the jets had carried out over 101 catapult launches from the carrier, 214 planned "touch and go" landings, and 104 arrested landings using a redesigned tailhook. The tests are being done south of San Diego. (Source: Reuters, 11/13/14) Gulf Coast note: Navy and Marine pilots get initial training in Pensacola and Milton, Fla.; Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.
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