if QE is too far in the build to convert to cat and traps,and we are still commited to buying at least 3 F35B jets. would it better to finish QE as fast possible as designed and comit to a FAA sqn of 12 F35( only 9added aircraft buy-training linked to USMC.) this could be up and runing by 2016, with PoW finished in 2020-2 with a then FAA/RAF buy of F35C (36aircraft at least)Training with RAF/RN.
So you will have comitted FAA sqn (F35B)with Q.E which can be attached with the PoW which could aslo have 2 sqn's off F35C(FAA/RAF) when ready.
so you would only be out of the carrier game by 4 years.
if you then decide to only to keep one you have a choice either to sell PoW (France)
keep QE with F35B.as the RAF most likey would not want to comitt a sqn for that . instead have a UCAS sqn instead.
or sell Q.E with a sqn F35 to another nation as a complete package. and have joint FAA/RAF sqns for carrier use.
or we might keep both as we have won the lottery!!!!!!!
what do you guys think?