If one were to take the view that the UK cannot simply afford a 5th Generation LO fighter/bomber of whatever variety - F35 A, B or C and simply went for a 4th Generation proven ac like the F18 Super Hornet or the Rafale and accepted that the F35 is just too costly - are we in a position to make any cost savings by reverting to a cat & trap configuration for the new CVA's?
If not then we are committed to either having very small number and expensive F35's and are only left with the option of binning the idea of force projection using the new flat tops (when they eventually enter service).
What is the latest cost estimate for fitting EMAL and wires and how much would this delay commissioning of the first carrier? What through life cost difference would there be for between say 35 F35's and perhaps as many as 48 Super Hornets/Rafales? Would this then open the door to allow us such luxuries as fixed wing COD and AEW platforms?
Just my 2c.