Keywords: F-35C Lightning II conducts land-based MK-7 arrestment testing aboard NAS Patuxent River 150721-D-AM182-365.jpg en As the F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force prepares for the second phase of F-35C sea trials in late 2015 aircraft CF-05 conducts land-based MK-7 arrestment testing during flight 134 on July 21 Completed in 1961 Air Test and Evaluation Squadron operates and maintains the MK-7 arresting gear facility aboard Naval Air Station Patuxent River Despite its age the MK-7 has undergone continuous upgrades and is representative of the arresting gear used on today's aircraft carriers The underground installation accommodates structural tests and aircraft/arresting gear compatibility studies with all models of U S Navy carrier aircraft Due to limited deck space aboard an aircraft carrier recovery equipment is required to shorten the aircraft landing distance The MK-7 arresting gear is a hydraulic-mechanical engine used to arrest airplanes up to 50 000 pounds gross weight and at engaging speeds of 175 mph The primary use of the MK-7 arresting gear is to ensure the aircraft systems remain functional and the aircraft structure can withstand the loads imparted during the arrested landing 2015-07-21 VX 23 https //www dvidshub net/image/2092094 150721-D-AM182-365 2015-07-28 17 01 PATUXENT RIVER MD US 4 PD-USGov Naval Air Station Patuxent River F-35C Lightning II Images from DoD uploaded by Fæ |