Landing on an aircraft carrier is one of the most challenging feats in aviation, requiring nerves of steel, split-second timing, and years of training. But throughout history, a handful of daring pilots have defied the odds, touching down on carriers in aircraft never designed for such a feat.
From massive cargo planes to supersonic fighters, these 10 landings left everyone amazed and rewrote the rules of what’s possible at sea.
1. Lockheed C-130 Hercules
In 1963, the U.S. Navy decided to test the limits of the mighty Hercules by attempting to land it on an aircraft carrier. The massive turboprop transport plane, designed for cargo and troop transport, touched down successfully on the USS Forrestal, snagging the third arresting wire.
The pilot, Lt. James H. Flatley III, became an instant legend for his skillful handling of the 85,000-pound behemoth.
The Navy’s tests with the C-130 were part of a larger effort to explore the feasibility of using the versatile aircraft for “Super COD” (Carrier Onboard Delivery) missions.
While the Hercules proved it could handle the task, the concept was ultimately abandoned due to its size and the modifications required to make it carrier-compatible.
2. Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
When it comes to heavy lifting, the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is a true workhorse. This massive helicopter, capable of carrying up to 55 troops or 30,000 pounds of cargo, is a staple of U.S. Marine Corps operations.
But in 2006, a Super Stallion surprised everyone by landing on the deck of the USS Nimitz, becoming the largest helicopter to ever do so.
The historic landing was part of a joint exercise between the Navy and the Marines, demonstrating the interoperability of their assets.
The Super Stallion’s ability to land on carriers opens up new possibilities for ship-to-shore operations and expands the reach of these versatile helicopters.
3. Grumman F-14 Tomcat
The F-14 Tomcat, immortalized in the film “Top Gun,” was a staple of U.S. Navy carrier operations for over three decades. But in 1976, a Tomcat made headlines for a different reason: it landed on the deck of the USS Enterprise without its nose gear.
The pilot, Lt. Vic Stamper, and his Radar Intercept Officer, Lt. JG Bill Overstreet, were forced to make an emergency landing after their nose gear failed to deploy.
Using their skills and quick thinking, they managed to bring the crippled jet down safely, skidding to a stop on the carrier’s deck. The incident showcased the Tomcat’s ruggedness and the crew’s exceptional training.
4. Lockheed U-2 “Dragon Lady”
The U-2 spy plane, nicknamed the “Dragon Lady,” is known for its high-altitude reconnaissance missions and unique design. But in 1964, a U-2 made an unexpected appearance on the deck of the USS Ranger, becoming the first of its kind to land on an aircraft carrier.
The landing was part of a CIA operation to test the feasibility of using carriers as mobile bases for U-2 missions.
While the aircraft successfully touched down and took off from the Ranger, the idea was ultimately scrapped due to the U-2’s challenging handling characteristics and the risks involved in carrier operations.
5. Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II
The F-35B Lightning II, the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, is designed to operate from amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers. However, when it landed on the USS Wasp in 2011, it marked a new era in naval aviation.
As the world’s first supersonic STOVL stealth aircraft, the F-35B brings unprecedented capabilities to the U.S. Marine Corps and its allies.
Its ability to land vertically, like a helicopter, and then take off again with a short runway makes it a game-changer for expeditionary operations and close air support missions.
6. Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde
The Concorde, an icon of supersonic passenger travel, was designed for high-speed flights between continents, not for landing on aircraft carriers.
However, in 1974, during a promotional tour, a Concorde made a surprise visit to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, touching down briefly on the carrier’s deck.
The landing was a testament to the Concorde’s advanced design and the skill of its pilots. While the aircraft never intended to operate from carriers, the event showcased the possibilities of supersonic travel and the versatility of naval aviation.
7. Antonov An-124 Ruslan
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is one of the largest military transport aircraft in the world, capable of carrying up to 150 tons of cargo.
While it’s not designed for carrier operations, in 1995, an An-124 made headlines by landing on the deck of Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia’s only aircraft carrier.
The landing demonstrated the An-124’s capabilities and a display of Russian military might. The massive plane, with its distinctive nose and high-mounted wings, dwarfed the carrier’s deck, leaving observers in awe of its size and power.
8. Mikoyan MiG-29K
The Mikoyan MiG-29K, a navalized variant of the famed MiG-29 fighter, was designed specifically for carrier operations. In 2009, the Indian Navy made history by landing a MiG-29K on the deck of the INS Vikramaditya, formerly the Russian carrier Admiral Gorshkov.
The landing marked a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, expanding its carrier-based capabilities and strengthening its position as a regional power.
The MiG-29K, with its advanced avionics and armament, provides the Indian Navy with a potent air defense and strike platform.
9. Lockheed S-3 Viking
The Lockheed S-3 Viking, a carrier-based anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, was familiar to U.S. Navy carriers for over three decades. But in 2009, an S-3 made an unexpected final landing on the USS Nimitz, marking the end of an era.
The Viking, known for its distinctive high-mounted wings and four-person crew, was crucial in protecting carrier battle groups from submarine threats.
As the Navy transitioned to newer aircraft, the S-3 was phased out, but not before making one last memorable appearance on the Nimitz’s deck.
10. Grumman X-29
The Grumman X-29, an experimental aircraft with forward-swept wings, pushed the boundaries of aviation technology in the 1980s.
While it was never intended for carrier operations, in 1989, an X-29 made a surprise landing on the USS Kitty Hawk, becoming the first forward-swept wing aircraft to do so.
The landing was part of a demonstration to showcase the X-29’s unique design and potential naval aviation applications.
The aircraft’s forward-swept wings, combined with its advanced fly-by-wire control system, gave it exceptional maneuverability and handling characteristics, hinting at the future of fighter design.
From massive transports to supersonic marvels, these planes have left their mark on naval history, reminding us that the sky is never the limit for those who dare to dream.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
