NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN -- The F-35 Pax River Integrated

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN -- The F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force is testing aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth for phase two of the first of class flight trials (Fixed Wing). Phase two tests include external stores, minimum performance short-takeoffs, shipborne rolling vertical landing and night operations. A third phase followed by operational testing is scheduled for 2019. Together the events will help the UK Ministry of Defence reach initial operating capability (maritime) in 2020.