The first simulated carrier landing was conducted during the competition with Boeing while still designated X-35. The test landing was done on a long runway on land for safety but the signal lights and other features of an aircraft carrier where layed out like a real landing. You will see that the plane comes in at a steep angle to simulate grabbing the arresting cable with the tail hook. The pilot will put down the forward landing gear much quicker than a usual on-land touchdown, which is standard on the extremely short landing deck of a carrier. Instead of slowing to a stop, the pilot pushes the throttle all the way up and takes right back off again. This is also a simulation of an arrested landing where the pilot needs enough thrust to take back off again in case he misses the cable. The cable is strong enough that if the plane catches it, it will hold even at full throttle.
