Jet blast deflector testing with the F-35C, the carrier-based variant of the Lightning II, began at the Naval Air Engineering Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The blast deflector, located behind the catapults aboard aircraft carriers, deflects aircraft engine exhaust to prevent damage to other aircraft or injury to deck personnel. The testing, which is one portion of the tests required to ensure the F-35C is compatible aboard an aircraft carrier, consists of varying distances between the aircraft and the deflector as well as engine power settings up to maximum afterburner.
