Two French Navy Rafale M aircraft have landed on a US aircraft carrier for the first time.
The Rafales arrived on the USS Enterprise in the Mediterranean Sea on 23 July, 2007.
US Ambassador to France Craig Stapleton commented on the significance of the occassion.
"Being that this is the first time a US aircraft carrier has been in France in six years it’s important, and also I believe it’s the first time French fighter pilots have been able to land onboard the deck of an American aircraft carrier, this is an important moment in US history,” said Stapleton.
Following the Rafales' visit, the aircraft were launched from the USS Enterprise and returned to their base.
During a Multi-National Maritime Exercise, back in May 2005, a Rafale M performed a touch down on the USS Eisenhower but did not perform a full "trapped" landing.
All images © Sirpa Marine
Source: FlightGlobal.com