Originally Posted by
Jackonicko
It's going to be compromised, of course, and there will be issues, but looking at how other canard Deltas fare on carriers, perhaps a much bigger wing is unnecessary -- the Gripen boys have done some interesting sim work, Rafale manages well, and though the MiG-29M has more wing area, it's all added at the tips, the flaps, and via a new leading edge.....
"Other canard Deltas" would seem to mean "Rafale". Gripen is not* an embarked aircraft and Mig-29 of any flavour is not a canard-delta. Other people have said it: Rafale was specifically designed for the CV job. So your argument is hardly compelling.
Originally Posted by
Jackonicko
The question isn't whether it will be easy, the question is whether it's a possible back up/alternative.
The question *is* whether it will be easy, because attempting it is not compulsory. There are always alternatives to Dave, one of which is "don't bother". If we are bothered but there are concerns that we can't get Dave on the terms we want, we have the alternative of getting it on terms we don't want. Do you know how the latter option actually compares in pain/grief/cost/capability terms to Seaphoon? I don't think you do, but I submit to you that having an appreciation for the "ease" of doing JCA with Typhoo(N) is the sort of thing those charged with procuring JCA have pondered.
*sims are all very well, but sending our enemies a sternly-worded letter and a screenshot from a sim might not be quite as appreciated by our gallant troops on the ground under fire in dusty places as the well-timed accurate delivery of real ordnance from real aeroplanes.