NAB,
Just my thoughts on that concerning F-35B. It doesn't need to worry about missing a cable, so a bolter for that reason isn't going to be an issue. A rejected VL, for whatever reason, would only be realistic with the engine already at high rpm, so not an issue if the engine is working, too late if it isn't. SSL is still jet-borne flight with the engine at high rpm so a rejection is still feasible until touchdown. After touchdown I can only imagine that a total break failure would necessitate a bolter. But I can't answer that one. Too many variables really.
Regardless of all my thinking above, yes, if the brakes fail once the engine is running down to idle and the jet is running along the deck and the sea is getting close, I can see your point. But I don't think it's as big a concern as it might be on a traditional carrier.
Last edited by Courtney Mil; 3rd Jun 2015 at 07:40.