Landing on an aircraft carrier defines Naval aviation. But new pilots won't have to do it until later in their training.

The change in carrier qualification requirements is a huge watershed moment that has ramifications for the Navy's future jet trainer plans.

Whereas a land-based pilot can be expected to “grease” the runway, carrier landings demand that naval pilots make a controlled impact—essentially a crash aboard the deck.

The angled runway, which is only 300 feet long, is typically used for landing, and allows for simultaneous takeoff and landing operations on the flight deck.

Because of these challenges, planes that are allowed to land on aircraft carriers need to meet certain specifications, such as having reinforced landing gears, an arresting hook, wings that fold ...

The de Havilland Vampire fighter jet successfully landed on the HMS Ocean aircraft carrier in December 1945. See photos of the historic flight.

Deployment of the autonomous tanker will free up Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from acting as ad hoc refuellers, increasing ...

Landing Is Also Done Facing The Wind Landing on an aircraft carrier is just as technically demanding as takeoff. The deck is barely longer than a football field and constantly moving with the sea ...

U.S. Navy carriers don’t currently carry drones, but testing is underway. The MQ-25A Stingray refueling drone is expected to ...