F-35B jet receives the signal to take off from HMS Queen Elizabeth 110923 CREDIT MOD — F-35B receives the signal to take off from HMS Queen Elizabeth (Picture: MOD).

F-35B jet taxis across the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth 110923 CREDIT MOD — F-35B jet taxis across the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth (Picture: MOD).

F-35B lands on board HMS Queen Elizabeth (Picture: MOD).

F-35B jet from 617 Squadron prepares to land on HMS Queen Elizabeth (Picture: MOD).

Aircraft handler at work as F-35Bs carry out flight operations from HMS Queen Elizabeth — F-35B prepares to land on the aircraft carrier (Picture: MOD).

F-35Bs lined up on the flight deck (Picture: MOD).

The jets carry out flight operations (Picture: MOD).

Pilot in the cockpit of an F-35B (Picture: MOD).

Royal Navy Merlins and Wildcat on board HMS Queen Elizabeth (Picture: MOD).

Navy

F-35s return to flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth

F-35B Lightnings have embarked on HMS Queen Elizabeth, with stunning photos showing the fifth-generation jets landing and taking off from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier.

The eight jets from 617 Squadron will be conducting Carrier Qualifications on board the Royal Navy's flagship before continuing Carrier Strike Group operations.

HMS Queen Elizabeth set sail from Portsmouth last week to lead a Carrier Strike Group in the Norwegian and North Seas, working with Nato and Joint Expeditionary Force nations.

The F-35B is a stealth fighter jet with short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, meaning it can take off from land and at sea from the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers without the use of a catapult.

Unlike earlier generation fighter jets, the F-35B Lightning is designed to carry its weaponry internally, decreasing both drag and its radar signature.

Merlin helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron and Wildcats from 847 Naval Air Squadron have also joined HMS Queen Elizabeth.