So, if this turns out to be true. Australia will pay 'only' $140 million each for the F35. ..
Correct me if I am wrong but, unlike Australia, the UK is looking at the -more complex and expensive- F35B STOVL version, so this Australian costing -if accurate- does not mean very much at all in terms of the proposed UK buy of a different, more complex and more expensive aircraft.
For Carrier operation the Super Hornet or, if it is affordable, even the F35C looks a much better bet for UK. For one thing Cat and Trap could give you Hawkeye AEW.
EMALS is now going very well. CVF is designed to take it. Fit it. Buy Super Hornet and a few Hawkeye. Seems to be the way the RN's minds are running since so many FAA pilots are training with USN on Hornets.
What is better for most purposes maybe 8 F35B and Helo AEW or 24 Super Hornet and Hawkeye AEW?
Last edited by oldnotbold; 25th Aug 2010 at 22:32.