I wonder if the 2015 date for F-35C Sea Trials is an error and really slated for 2013 as has been said for some time now? [I guess one can read also that - without any mention of any F-35C trials or further F-35B sea trials - that the dates above refer to the aircraft actually being embarked?]
Panetta Lifts F-35B Probation Jan 20, 2012 By Amy Butler
[email protected] NAS PATUXENT RIVER, Md.
Panetta Lifts F-35B Probation | AVIATION WEEK Lifts F-35B Probation
"...Kelly says he also expects to begin testing a redesigned tailhook for the F-35C in the second half of the year. The current design encountered problems last year when officials attempted rolling tests and the tailhook skipped over the wire owing to its
weight [QUE???] and a problem with the dampening system. CF-3 will be the first test aircraft to have the new tailhook installed.
After the initial ship trials with the F-35B last fall, the B model is not expected to go to sea until 2013, with the C model following in 2015, Kelly said...."