Here's what it looks like when a pilot conducts a test to determine "the minimum catapult power" for an F-35 to avoid falling into the ocean

The view from behind:

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Good thing we have test pilots for this! #Repost @owen.aviation.photo ・・・ Why there are test pilots 😳 #repost @cincohamilton ・・・ Something you don’t see everyday...low energy catapult launch! That sink is scary, but it was a part of the test plan. The folks at PAX River needed to find the lowest amount of energy that the catapult needed in order to safely launch an F-35C...they definitely found it! Through a smart build up and mitigation the test professionals go where others don’t. #aviation #testpilot #f35c #aviationphotography #aircraftcarrier #catapult #f35 #flightdeck #carrier #aviationdaily #avgeekphoto #fullsend #nogutsnoglory #instaavaition #comeflywithme #aviationphotography #afterburner #pilotlife #militaryaviation #aircraft #avgeek #fighter #airforce #fighterpilot #flying #fly #flight #aviation #aviationgeek #rcaf_pilot

A post shared by Mark Shular (@rcaf_pilot) on May 23, 2020 at 12:20pm PDT

And from below:

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You seen the earlier video from the deck, now check out how close to the water the F-35C actually was! #Repost @cincohamilton ・・・ Watch the waters part because of the engine exhaust!! Here’s the last video, low energy catapult testing, from the front of the ship camera view. You can tell from this angle that the aircraft got close to the water. Remember though, this was a part of the testing and the team had prepared for this moment. #aviation #aviationphotography #f35 #aircraftcarrier #f35c #fightertestpilot #testpilot #ussnimitz #catapult #lowenergy #partingwaters #fighterpilot

A post shared by Mark Shular (@rcaf_pilot) on May 24, 2020 at 1:44pm PDT

From The Drive:

It is one heck of a tense clip to watch!