Part of the question about AAR support of carrier Ops is the problem of becoming tanker dependent. If the F-35 were to rely on AAR refuel to be able to land safely back on the carrier, or some other destination, then that represents a considerable risk. Likewise, a Terminal tanker over the carrier is something of crisis management. Returning F-35 have to have sufficient fuel to return anyway, would anyone be happy for F-35's to drop into the drink due to AAR failure? A key component of whether some after take-off AAR would be worthwhile is, how much usable tankage would the stealthy F-35 actually have with a mission load/fit? It is not the same as an F18 with big tanks that carry quite a bit of external fuel and weapons. It can't be much because the V-22 tanker doesn't carry much.
OAP