There would most assuredly be a common syllabi for the A and B, you then just add the element of STOVL trg for those destined for the B
Mind you, would the rump FAA struggle to man two Sqns plus dedicated STOVL training unit and still supply the required number of Staff and support posts?
Forgive my intrusion in this excellent and informative thread, but I need some clarification. Part of the JSF STOVL research which included the VAAC Harrier was to look long term at reducing the training requirements (and therefore cost) of STOVL training. If the project succeeded in their goal of getting the aircraft to behave the same at 5 knots as it does at 500 knots then it follows that there would not be much to teach a budding F-35B pilot as opposed to one assigned to a different variant? I understand that the only difference in the cockpit is the hook handle is replaced with a STOVL mode switch in the B model.
Thanks in advance for any answers.