ORAC, I wonder why the don't fit a longer undercarriage. Then they could access the weapons bay more easily.
Of course they might need to add extra pods on the wings.
But then they could use spare space in the pods for chaff.
But they may need to strengthen the undercarriage for the extra weight.
And make the pods bigger.
But provide additional pods for the chaff that won't fit in the initial pods.
But then . . .