Challenging the Skies: The US Navy’s F-35C Certification Struggles and Carrier Modernization
The integration of the F-35C into the US Navy's carrier fleet has not been without its challenges. While the aircraft brings advanced capabilities, the certification process involves comprehensive modifications and is far from straightforward.
Why the Certification Struggle?
The certification process for the F-35C involves far more than just a single aircraft's ability to land and takeoff. The design of the US Navy's aircraft carriers was finalized without this requirement, leading to a complex catch-up operation. At present, the Navy is acquiring F-35Cs at a rate that allows for the certification of only one carrier per year. Taking more carriers out of service to complete necessary certifications is not a viable option.
Complexity and Extensive Certification Work
The certification process is multifaceted and extensive. It includes everything from the catapults and arresting gear to aircraft elevators, towing equipment, rescue equipment, fueling procedures, ordnance handling, squadron-level maintenance, intermediate-level AIMD (Avionics Integrated Mission Director) maintenance, and the supply chain.
Additionally, the F-35C brings new equipment to the carrier, necessitating long and intricate certification processes. The certification cannot be solely based on a single flight test. The F-35C is equipped with classified hardware, further complicating the certification process.
The State of the Art: USS Gerald R. Ford
USS Gerald R. Ford's deployment in the Eastern Mediterranean is a testament to the advances in carrier and aircraft design. This cruise represents a state-of-the-art in naval aviation, featuring F-35Cs, E-2D airborne early warning aircraft, and CMV-22B Ospreys. The performance of the USS Gerald R. Ford during this cruise will undoubtedly yield valuable lessons for future operations.
Structural and Technical Upgrades
To accommodate the F-35C, significant upgrades are required for the US Navy's carriers. The JBDs (Jet Blast Dampeners) on supercarriers need to be upgraded to handle the heat blast from the F-35C's engine. The JBDs now feature improved internal water cooling, which has been certified for individual carriers.
Less obvious are the internal changes to the carriers to support the classified equipment installed in the F-35Cs. Detailed information on these changes can be found on USNI News.
Current Certification Status
As of August 2023, two CATOBAR (Catapult-Assisted Takeoff But Arrested Recovery) supercarriers are certified for F-35C operations. Another is expected to be certified by year-end 2023. The US Navy is working on scheduling the rest of the CATOBAR supercarriers for certification in the coming years. Additionally, at least half a dozen smaller attack carriers are certified for F-35B operations as of August 2023.
The US Navy and US Marine Corps (USMC) have opted for a strategic approach by delaying the deployment of the F-35Cs until the technical release - 3 (TR-3) and Block IV level models, which come straight out of manufacturing without further upgrades. This approach ensures that the carriers are fully equipped and certified as required, minimizing the need for future modifications.
For current certification schedules of the supercarriers, visit the official US Navy website or relevant news outlets.