F35B vs C
Maybe just a detail, but just like the C version had problems with the Arrestor hook, which for now still need a solution, I recall clearly that even earlier on there where serious doubts about the B versions frontwheel rigidity to withstand the substantial harder loads when used with a (up to 13°)ski-jump ramp.
IIRC up until today it still needs to launch from such a ramp, be it as a test on land or on sea on an existing platform, let alone @ MTOW.
There still remains the very likely possibility that a beefed up front gear is necessary , eating even further in the already very narrow weight margins, more specifically forward of the CoG.
Last edited by kbrockman; 14th May 2012 at 13:26.