Queen Elizabeth undergoes precision landing system certification
An F-35B prepares to land aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. (Photo: USN)
NAVAIR completed PALS and JPALS certification for the UK RN aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The US Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office (PMA-213) completed Precision Approach and Landing System (PALS) certification on HMS Queen Elizabeth in March, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced on 16 April.
This marked 'a critical step in readying the ship for its first operational deployment’ at the head of an RN carrier strike group, NAVAIR added.
PALS includes the AN/SPN-41B Instrument Carrier Landing System, previously installed by PMA-213 under the FMS programme, and the AN/USN-3 Joint Precision and Approach Landing System (JPALS) system.
JPALS is installed on HMS Queen Elizabeth to support the future embarkation of USMC F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211.
Coincidentally, the final certification flights for Queen Elizabeth were completed on the same day that another team from PMA-213 carried out PALS certification for the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour off the US east coast.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel]()
Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy]()
New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy
The frigate, Spartaco Schergat, is equipped for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare.
-
![NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs]()
NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
