The F-35C Joint Strike Fighter, commonly referred to as the US Navy’s most expensive plane, recently made a successful landing aboard an aircraft carrier.

The F-35C Joint Strike Fighter, said to be the US Navy’s most expensive plane, recently made a successful landing aboard an aircraft carrier.

The feat took place off the coast of San Diego aboard the USS Nimitz’s flight deck. Navy test pilot Commander Tony Wilson was behind the controls when the aircraft landed.

While speaking to reporters who were gathered on the Nimitz, Wilson pointed out the aircraft handled remarkably well. He also said he couldn’t make it go off the glide slope, meaning the jet is exceptionally smooth.

Vice Admiral David H. Buss, who was aboard Nimitz to witness the landing, remarked “With the first traps and catapult launches of the F-35C Lightning II aboard an aircraft carrier, we begin the integration of the next generation of warfighting capability into our carrier-based air wings.”

The recent milestone is part of flight testing at sea. The trials will go on for about two weeks and assist in the efforts to deploy the fighter jet sometime in 2018.

The F-35C is designed specifically to conduct operations from aircraft carriers. It has reinforced landing gear, heavy-duty coatings and an ample wingspan, allowing it to endure the severe conditions onboard a ship.