When F-35 Partners unite, it proves we are stronger together. On Feb. 13, ITS Cavour arrived to Naval Station Norfolk, Va. to conduct its sea trials with the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) team from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. Over 200 engineers, test pilots and more talented members of the F-35 team will conduct F-35B envelope expansion flight tests, where the test pilots work to understand the boundaries of safe takeoffs and landings on the carrier’s flight deck based on winds, sea states and other conditions. After demonstrating safe launch and recovery of the aircraft, the F-35B will be declared “ready for operations” aboard the Cavour and Italy will become the third nation to begin flying the F-35 from an aircraft carrier. Next steps: begin flight deck workups with Italy’s own fleet of F-35Bs. (Read more...)