The problem with that, of course, is that if all are B model, then there are enough that the Carriers can have sufficient aircraft to at least provide a modicum of capability and the RAF can do expeditionary shore based with the rest.
If only 48 are B, then you are trying to fill carriers and go ashore with 48?
Methinks the RN will cry foul, and for good reason.
Ok I'll say it then, is it not the case that the F-35A has a superior performance, range and payload etc. Just that it needs to take a good run down the runway to get aloft and a reasonable length of runway to land again. But at least the Navy will have sufficient airframes to make a single carrier deployment a full one.
Best Regards,
FB
