A test pilot assigned to the F-35 Lightning II Patuxent River Integrated Test Force flies aircraft CF-05 during catapult testing at the TC-7 steam catapult facility aboard Naval Air Station Patuxent River July 23. The TC-7 site, operated and maintained by the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23, accommodates structural tests and aircraft/catapult compatibility studies with all models of U.S. Navy carrier aircraft. The primary use of the TC-7 catapult is to ensure the aircraft systems remain functional and the aircraft structure can withstand the loads imparted during the catapult launch. Completed in 1954, the TC-7 site has undergone continuous upgrades and is representative of the steam catapults used on today's aircraft carriers. Due to limited deck space aboard an aircraft carrier, launch equipment is required to shorten the aircraft takeoff distance. The TC-7 catapult features a linear piston-type steam engine used to launch airplanes up to 85,000 pounds gross weight and attain launch endspeeds in excess of 200 mph. A slow camera shutter speed highlights the dynamic sensation of the catapult launch.
<br>Unit: F-35 Lighting II Pax River ITF
VX
Taken on 23 July 2015
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