Umm,.. I think i should clarify here.
In my imagined world, both the RN and RAF only operate a single fast jet type , which is CATOBAR and "multirole".. And then there is a successor program for the next generation. ...
Of course that rather rules out European participation unless it's Rafale M or navalised EF.
It's the argument that operating a single type would save a bunch of money.
The point is, historically the CATOBAR carrier weight penalty hasn't stopped these types being very effective at non-maritime roles.
We decided to have carriers, so we might as well have a common aircraft that can operate from it.
(edited, I wasn't clear)
Last edited by bigsmelly; 18th Jun 2020 at 13:28.