Lockheed Martin to pitch F-35 for our Indigenous aircraft carrier

[Crusader53]

The last I heard, even USAF may settle for a mix of the export version along with their own version to cut down on procurement costs.

They have no export version.........

 

[p2prada]

So, India will start producing 4.5 Generation Fighters. When China is already building with 5th Generation Fighters like the J-20!

The Chinese will continue producing the Flankers and Dragons even while producing 5th gen.

As for the Super Hornet it will start leaving Service way before that. As a matter VFA-14 will replace its Super Hornet in the next few years with F-35C's. (for example)

The current F-35C purchases will replace the Hornets, the SHs have a long time to go.

It's already half way thru 2011 and the MMRCA isn't even selected. Then if the Rafale or Typhoon are choosen. Both will require further upgrades to meet IAF Requirements. That of course is just the tip of the iceberg.

The MRCA deal will be signed in Sept. So, what are you talking about? The Japanese and Brazilians are taking even longer even without the trials we have conducted.

Some F-15E's maybe around by the 2030's. Yet, I doubt in any great numbers. As most will be replaced by F-35's, UCAV's, and the Next Generation Bomber.

There will be more F-15E and SH in service in 2030 than the whole of IAF 4th gen fleet combined(MKI+MRCA+LCA). The UCAVs are not even on the drawing board yet. The next generation bomber will replace the B-1 and B-52 fleets.

Well, you don't need to take it personally. Regardless, the US will continue to spend vast amounts on its Military. Even in the current economic climate.....

Our requirement will skyrocket along with our economy. Our budget has seen a 400% increase in the last decade.

First, I wasn't comparing the IAF to the USAF or any of its other branches....I was stating what threats it would likely face from China and Pakistan.

It has nothing to do with threats. We are discussing economy which follows the same principle everywhere. The Chinese may end up with an air force the size of USAF and IAF combined by 2040 with a defence budget bigger than US and India combined.

Both US, China, Russia and India will continue using 4.5th gen aircraft along with 5th gen aircraft. This is a fact that has escaped your thought process. This fact has already been announced by the USAF and USN. The F-15 will continue complementing the F-22, the MKI will do that for FGFA, the Su-35 will complement the PAKFA for Russia and the Flanker clones will do the same for PLAAF. We will see all these aircraft in service until 2030 to 2040.

Any 40 ton UCAV induction will happen only during this period.

You seem to be repeating the same stuff over and over again???

And I wonder why?

Nonetheless, the plan was to keep the majority of the Super Hornets to 2030-2035. Further, they were to be replaced by the F/A-XX (NGAD). Yet, that is highly unlikely at this stage. Now the USN intents to replace the Super Hornet with the F-35 or a mix of F-35's and/or UCAV's. (and sooner than 2030-2035)

The plan is still the same. The current F-35 production plan for 3000 aircraft is supposed to go on for 15 years. The USN has no plans of phasing out the Super Hornet early. Any F-35 meant to replace the SH will be only after 2030, when the first production queue of the F-35 will end.

They have no export version.........

There are 6 versions of the F-35. There is the US F-35A, B and C and then there is the export version also called JSF. That would be the export F-35A, B and C. The JSF will be cheaper than the US version.

 

[sandeepdg]

The Japanese and Brazilians are taking even longer even without the trials we have conducted.

That's something I didn't knew ! Goes to show the depth of knowledge and capabilities of the IAF !

 

[p2prada]

That's something I didn't knew ! Goes to show the depth of knowledge and capabilities of the IAF !

The Brazilians announced their own MRCA deal in 2008 compared to 2007 that we did. In Feb, 2011 they deferred it to 2012, all this without headway in negotiations. They haven't even flight tested the competing aircraft like we did. They are just looking at the cheapest deal. Once Lula left they lost their chance for Rafale as well along with other military equipment.

The Japanese announced their deal in 2005. In 2008, they said the deal would be delayed. After the Tsunami it may be delayed indefinitely. They are also only looking for the cheapest deal.

A pretty interesting article. It compares Japan's competition with India's.
Asia Times Online :: South Asia news, business and economy from India and Pakistan

We sent RFI in 2007, received info, sent RFP, studied info which may have taken a year. Then decided to shortlist all aircraft. After 2 years of study on assessing the aircraft as well as their offsets proposals, negotiated price and test timings. Then we planned a testing program that pretty much put the aircraft to a test that even their own air forces haven't done, right from the simmering heat in Rajasthan to below freezing temperatures in Leh. Tests were conducted in Germany, Britain, France, Russia, Sweden and the US. The MRCA team traveled to all these countries for the tests along with tests in Bangalore as well. All this took between a year and year and a half. In 2011, 4 years later, after the most gruesome tests in the world, we shortlisted two best aircraft, EF and Rafale. 6 months after the shortlist we are going to negotiate the contract along with offsets and seal the deal by selecting one of the two aircraft.

Now if this wasn't the best competitive deal in the world, then nothing is. Nothing even comes close to it. Not even the F-22 and F-35 programs. Till date not even one of the competitors not shortlisted has complained to any of the authorities in India about unfair treatment as compared to our trainer program where Italy has complained about irregularities and one of our governing authorities has stayed the deal. After all the MRCA competitors have nothing to complain about.

 

[Crusader53]

The Chinese will continue producing the Flankers and Dragons even while producing 5th gen.

No as the J-20 comes online Older Types will end Production. Just as F-16 production in the US is coming to close as F-35 Production Ramps Up!

The current F-35C purchases will replace the Hornets, the SHs have a long time to go.

In general terms Hornets are to be replaced by F-35C's first. Which, is to be followed by Super Hornets. Yet, a few Super Hornet Squadrons will convert earlier. (VFA-14 for example)

The MRCA deal will be signed in Sept. So, what are you talking about? The Japanese and Brazilians are taking even longer even without the trials we have conducted.

If, the MMRCA is not delayed in the mean time??? Which, is a big "if" considering it's already been delayed several times already. Plus, like I said both of the EuroFighter require further Development and of course Production will have to be Set-Up. All this takes many many years........

There will be more F-15E and SH in service in 2030 than the whole of IAF 4th gen fleet combined(MKI+MRCA+LCA). The UCAVs are not even on the drawing board yet. The next generation bomber will replace the B-1 and B-52 fleets.

Again who is comparing the USAF/USN/USMC with the IAF. Nonetheless, the former will have a vast Fleet of F-22's and F-35's by that time. What will India have....250 FGFA's and ~200 MMRCA's?

Regardless, as I have said over and over. It's not the US that's a threat but China and Pakistan.

Our requirement will skyrocket along with our economy. Our budget has seen a 400% increase in the last decade.

Let's hope so. Yet, the IN is drastically cutting back on its Carrier Program. Just as China is ramping up a very Aggressive One!

It has nothing to do with threats. We are discussing economy which follows the same principle everywhere. The Chinese may end up with an air force the size of USAF and IAF combined by 2040 with a defence budget bigger than US and India combined.

NO, you are discussing Economies (India's) and comparing the IAF with US Air Forces. I on the otherhand are comparing projected future fighter strengths between the IAF/IN with the PLAAF/PLAN/PAF.

Both US, China, Russia and India will continue using 4.5th gen aircraft along with 5th gen aircraft. This is a fact that has escaped your thought process. This fact has already been announced by the USAF and USN. The F-15 will continue complementing the F-22, the MKI will do that for FGFA, the Su-35 will complement the PAKFA for Russia and the Flanker clones will do the same for PLAAF. We will see all these aircraft in service until 2030 to 2040.

No, the Russian Air Force for example has a small order of Su-35's coming. Which, will be followed by a number of PAK-FA. So, no other non 5th Generation Fighters will be in production in just a few years time from now.

In short India will just be starting 4.5 Generation Fighter Production. While, everybody else is ending or about to end production of said types.

Any 40 ton UCAV induction will happen only during this period.

No Comment......

And I wonder why?

Please, enlighten us.....

The plan is still the same. The current F-35 production plan for 3000 aircraft is supposed to go on for 15 years. The USN has no plans of phasing out the Super Hornet early. Any F-35 meant to replace the SH will be only after 2030, when the first production queue of the F-35 will end.

Your incorrect as VFA-14 will replace it's Super Hornets before the end of this decade.....

There are 6 versions of the F-35. There is the US F-35A, B and C and then there is the export version also called JSF. That would be the export F-35A, B and C. The JSF will be cheaper than the US version.

The US Government and Lockheed Martin have stated over and over. That the F-35 is not offered in a export version. Maybe you should go tell them........

 

[p2prada]

The US Government and Lockheed Martin have stated over and over. That the F-35 is not offered in a export version. Maybe you should go tell them........

You are certainly the first to claim that. Like I already said, there are 6 versions. One set for the US and the other set for export, the Israeli version excluded. This is very well known. BaE is developing electronics for the export version while LM is doing the same for the US version. Go Check it.

No as the J-20 comes online Older Types will end Production. Just as F-16 production in the US is coming to close as F-35 Production Ramps Up!

Nopes. Their requirement is 400 J-11Bs, it won't be built by 2020. Add 400 J-10s to the mix and you have your 10 year production cycle for both. They plan on constructing their J-20 only after 2017-18.

In general terms Hornets are to be replaced by F-35C's first. Which, is to be followed by Super Hornets. Yet, a few Super Hornet Squadrons will convert earlier. (VFA-14 for example)

Again who is comparing the USAF/USN/USMC with the IAF. Nonetheless, the former will have a vast Fleet of F-22's and F-35's by that time. What will India have....250 FGFA's and ~200 MMRCA's?

Regardless, as I have said over and over. It's not the US that's a threat but China and Pakistan.

NO, you are discussing Economies (India's) and comparing the IAF with US Air Forces. I on the otherhand are comparing projected future fighter strengths between the IAF/IN with the PLAAF/PLAN/PAF.

Does not matter. It's all the same. PAF has no 5th gen plans. PLAAF, VVS, USAF and IAF will use 4.5th gen types until 2030 to 2040. Nothing you say will change that. Production cycles do not matter either.

No, the Russian Air Force for example has a small order of Su-35's coming. Which, will be followed by a number of PAK-FA. So, no other non 5th Generation Fighters will be in production in just a few years time from now.

In short India will just be starting 4.5 Generation Fighter Production. While, everybody else is ending or about to end production of said types.

Russian economy is crippled. Then you haven't seen their naval orders yet. They plan on buying a lot of Mig-29ks once Indian orders are complete.

Russia, China, India and US will have 4th gen and 5th gen platforms being made simultaneously. Nothing has changed. The F-22 is being made side by side with SH.

Let's hope so. Yet, the IN is drastically cutting back on its Carrier Program. Just as China is ramping up a very Aggressive One!

The quote of the forum. Nothing comes close to it. Simple math buddy. We have 1 carrier operational. We have ordered 1 and are building 2. The Chinese are just refurbishing one. Wonder who is ahead. By the next decade the IN will be spending more than PLAN in ships. We are planning on spending $50Billion compared to $24Billion by PLAN.

India is not cutting back on anything. India will be spending more than the entire EU combined on ships.

Please, enlighten us.....

Cause you are a regular forum idiot.

our incorrect as VFA-14 will replace it's Super Hornets before the end of this decade.....

Oooo. One squadron replaced by F-35s out of what, some 40 odd SH squadrons? Really. It only means the USN is cutting back on it's numbers.

End of discussion and you have made me repeat the same thing over and over again. India is doing nothing that US and China are not already doing.

If, the MMRCA is not delayed in the mean time??? Which, is a big "if" considering it's already been delayed several times already. Plus, like I said both of the EuroFighter require further Development and of course Production will have to be Set-Up. All this takes many many years........

No, only your big ego is saying many many years. If 4 years is many many years then so be it. 4 years seems to be your age anyway, which makes it seem big for you. Production cycle will start in 2015 and end in 2020 for 126 fighters. Add another 4 years for 4 more squadrons of MRCA. That would be 2025, pretty much the same time LCA will end as well.

We will be making over 50 fighters a year of different types over the period, PAKFA, MRCA and LCA. Had we selected SH I am sure we would have had the second best air force in the world, right behind USAF, and that we would have made all the SH's in 3 weeks along with starting F-22 production in the 4th week. I am sure the SH's can take out the J-20s while they are parked in their hangars as well. Too bad we selected EF and Rafale. Now our air force will be the weakest in the region behind Bangladesh and J-20s will have hangars in Bangalore under the Chinese flag. Oh! Let's not forget due to the huge delays and production problems, since we haven't selected SH, MRCA aircraft will be made at 1 every decade and production will last until 30000AD because of French and German cooties. It's certainly a big IF, have a lollipop.

 

[sandeepdg]

^^^ Man, P2P, some people just don't give being stupid, it seems ! As if their brain freezes after assimilating some false information, and they can't agree to anything logical after that !

 

[Crusader53]

You are certainly the first to claim that. Like I already said, there are 6 versions. One set for the US and the other set for export, the Israeli version excluded. This is very well known. BaE is developing electronics for the export version while LM is doing the same for the US version. Go Check it.

No, I am not the first to claim it. As the US Government and Lockheed Martin has stated the F-35 is not going to be sold as a export model. As all customers will receive the same models as the US be it F-35A, B, or C. Nothing new as its been published in many sources for some time......

Nopes. Their requirement is 400 J-11Bs, it won't be built by 2020. Add 400 J-10s to the mix and you have your 10 year production cycle for both. They plan on constructing their J-20 only after 2017-18.

Oh, god a small number could be made after 2020 WOW. The point as I have stated over and over again. Is most nations including the US, Russia, Europe, and China. Will quick producing 4.5 Generation fighters by the end of this decade. Nothing you have said alters that.....

Does not matter. It's all the same. PAF has no 5th gen plans. PLAAF, VVS, USAF and IAF will use 4.5th gen types until 2030 to 2040. Nothing you say will change that. Production cycles do not matter either.

Please, just because the PAF doesn't have 5th Generation Fighters today. Doesn't translate that they won't have them in the future. You can bet that Pakistan will want the J-20 or other 5th Generation Fighters from China in the coming decade. Further, China is likely to sell at least a small number to counter the IAF.

In short the odds are good that India will have to counter 5th Generation Fighters from both PAF and PLAAF in the next 10-15 years.

Russian economy is crippled. Then you haven't seen their naval orders yet. They plan on buying a lot of Mig-29ks once Indian orders are complete.

Old saying "Talk is Cheap" and Russia has a good record of making claims that never happen or are far less than prediction.

hmmm oh Russia was going to build a Fleet of New Aircraft Carriers. With the first in service before 2020.......Then the project was put on hold! Then they were going to build three New Nuclear ones with construction to start near the end of this decade! Really, if we had a dollar for every wild claim from Russia. All the members of this forum would be Miliionaires....

BTW The Russian Fleet is a meer shadow of its former USSR Days. As a matter of fact without Nuclear Submarines. I doubt it would rank in the top Ten Fleets of the World. Further, I have seen no New Major Warships Projected in the next ten years. Unless you want to count a few small Frigates or the LHD's its getting from France????

Russia, China, India and US will have 4th gen and 5th gen platforms being made simultaneously. Nothing has changed. The F-22 is being made side by side with SH.

Again production is ending for all 4.5 Generation Fighters. The Super Hornet for example is not likely to receive anymore orders and the US Governement has already placed its last order with Boeing.

BTW The F-22 is produced in Georgia by Lockheed Martin and the Super Hornet in Missouri by Boeing.

The quote of the forum. Nothing comes close to it. Simple math buddy. We have 1 carrier operational. We have ordered 1 and are building 2. The Chinese are just refurbishing one. Wonder who is ahead. By the next decade the IN will be spending more than PLAN in ships. We are planning on spending $50Billion compared to $24Billion by PLAN.

India will retire the INS Viraat as soon as it get's the INS Vikramaditya (ex-Gorshokov) from Russia. Also, the INS Vikrant (IAC-1) is under construction and will soon follow. Yet, the Indian Navy has recently stated that future construction is now on hold. With no firm plans for the IAC-2 and/or 3..........


China on the otherhand is about ready to start see trails with the Shi Lang (ex-Varyag) in the next couple of months and is said to have started construction of 2-3 more Carriers. All of which are larger than the currect projected India Carriers. Which, is not to say that couldn't change in the future. Yet, India would have to start construction of a larger IAC-3 Type to do that. Which, is not in the cards at least in the near future........


Sorry, not looking good in any Carrier vs Carrier between India and China unless things change drastically and soon......

India is not cutting back on anything. India will be spending more than the entire EU combined on ships.

LOL The UK is building two Large Carriers bigger than anything India will have. Which, doesn't take into account T-45's and SSN's. That is just the UK and not the rest of Europe either.....What about Horizon Frigates (Destroyers) for Italy and Fance to name just a couple....

Bold claim but has no creditability whatsoever.........

Cause you are a regular forum idiot.

I think your lack of maturity in showing and really uncalled for. What you can't have a respectful debate without calling names???

Oooo. One squadron replaced by F-35s out of what, some 40 odd SH squadrons? Really. It only means the USN is cutting back on it's numbers.

It will be more than one Squadron. Also, the USMC is going to field 5 Squadrons of F-35C vs the current 3 Squadrons already operating from USN Carriers. Clearly, the USN plans on replacing more than just the current Hornet Squadrons assigned to USN Carriers.

End of discussion and you have made me repeat the same thing over and over again. India is doing nothing that US and China are not already doing.

Nobody is forcing you to debate me or any other member that you mite disagree with.....

No, only your big ego is saying many many years. If 4 years is many many years then so be it. 4 years seems to be your age anyway, which makes it seem big for you. Production cycle will start in 2015 and end in 2020 for 126 fighters. Add another 4 years for 4 more squadrons of MRCA. That would be 2025, pretty much the same time LCA will end as well.

Has nothing to do with egos. That said if you honestly bellieve India can sign a contract for the MMRCA this Sept and have 126 Fighters in service by 2020. You clearly don't understand the complexity of the subject. Which, is support by countless examples......

We will be making over 50 fighters a year of different types over the period, PAKFA, MRCA and LCA. Had we selected SH I am sure we would have had the second best air force in the world, right behind USAF, and that we would have made all the SH's in 3 weeks along with starting F-22 production in the 4th week. I am sure the SH's can take out the J-20s while they are parked in their hangars as well. Too bad we selected EF and Rafale. Now our air force will be the weakest in the region behind Bangladesh and J-20s will have hangars in Bangalore under the Chinese flag. Oh! Let's not forget due to the huge delays and production problems, since we haven't selected SH, MRCA aircraft will be made at 1 every decade and production will last until 30000AD because of French and German cooties. It's certainly a big IF, have a lollipop.

If, India is going to purchase a Multi-Role 4.5 Generation Fighter. I do believe the Super Hornet would be a far better choice. Based on Capabilities, Cost, and Advance Technology. Yet, I have always said that India would be far better served to skip such a step and instead go right to a 5th Generation Design. Which, I still stand by.........

 

[p2prada]

If, India is going to purchase a Multi-Role 4.5 Generation Fighter. I do believe the Super Hornet would be a far better choice. Based on Capabilities, Cost, and Advance Technology. Yet, I have always said that India would be far better served to skip such a step and instead go right to a 5th Generation Design. Which, I still stand by.........

If the F-35 turns out to be the same standard then alright, good for everyone involved. Who am I to complain when we aren't going for it.

If we are going to continue production of 4.5th gen until 3000AD, then so be it. Good for US, Russia, China etc that they are going to finish early. PAF too, since we did not pick SH they will automatically have a more advanced air force. Britain, France etc are all backward cavemen who carry clubs and drag women on the ground by their hair and will also build 4.5th gen with us until 3000AD. Too bad Eyou. Your times up.

If we have a Navy that has put a stop on all carriers, then good for the enemy. Bad for the US too, since we are not going to be able to induct F-35s and SH's for carriers that will never exist.

The 65K ton Varyag is kick azz, of course that's because we did not pick SH. It's a different story that a smaller carrier like the CdG is even better that Varyag. But who knows, the French are cavemen as well.

The Russians have put their carrier plans on hold. But not their aviation plans. Kuznetsov still needs aircraft after 2015, after the Su-33s retire. Too bad the 30 planned orders for Mig-29k to supposedly be inked in a year may never come. If only they would buy SH. Then they can have the second most powerful navy after USN.

F-22 is produced in a country south of Russiabecky and SH in Mussoorie, India. Rather embarrassing don't you think? Nothing as compared to the point I was making, that F-22s are being made the same time as the SHs. Similarly FGFA's will be made at the same time as Rafale/EF or J-20 with J-11Bs and J-10s.

LOL. UK is building 2 carriers and a handful of other ships. Amazing. So, awesome. India is nothing compared to the UK. We only have 40 ships, submarines and carriers under construction and orders for a 101 ships in total. OMG. So, scary. We have the second largest requirement for ships after the US until the next decade. We are currently twice as that of China when it comes to capital ships.

India planned a 10 year production cycle for 230 MKIs and we are on schedule. First deliveries happened in 2004, final delivery will happen in 2014. The next 42 will be made in 3 more years. So, that's a total of 272 aircraft in less than 14 years. Pretty impressive considering these are 40 ton airframe that take 13 months to manufacture. Comparatively the MRCA aircraft are smaller aircraft with superior manufacturing processes. They take a little more than half the time required for MKI including the SH. Considering I have taken a little over 1 sq a year, IAF may insist for 24 to 28 aircraft a year instead of the figure of 18/year that I gave and speed up production for all 200 possible orders by 2020. IAF has actually asked for 20 aircraft a year in their RFP. Considering The IAF forced the MKI production to increase from 10/year to 14/year, we may even see the same for MRCA.

I think your lack of maturity in showing and really uncalled for. What you can't have a respectful debate without calling names???

But you were the one who asked for it.

 

[Crusader53]

If the F-35 turns out to be the same standard then alright, good for everyone involved. Who am I to complain when we aren't going for it.

If we are going to continue production of 4.5th gen until 3000AD, then so be it. Good for US, Russia, China etc that they are going to finish early. PAF too, since we did not pick SH they will automatically have a more advanced air force. Britain, France etc are all backward cavemen who carry clubs and drag women on the ground by their hair and will also build 4.5th gen with us until 3000AD. Too bad Eyou. Your times up.

If we have a Navy that has put a stop on all carriers, then good for the enemy. Bad for the US too, since we are not going to be able to induct F-35s and SH's for carriers that will never exist.

The 65K ton Varyag is kick azz, of course that's because we did not pick SH. It's a different story that a smaller carrier like the CdG is even better that Varyag. But who knows, the French are cavemen as well.

The Russians have put their carrier plans on hold. But not their aviation plans. Kuznetsov still needs aircraft after 2015, after the Su-33s retire. Too bad the 30 planned orders for Mig-29k to supposedly be inked in a year may never come. If only they would buy SH. Then they can have the second most powerful navy after USN.

F-22 is produced in a country south of Russiabecky and SH in Mussoorie, India. Rather embarrassing don't you think? Nothing as compared to the point I was making, that F-22s are being made the same time as the SHs. Similarly FGFA's will be made at the same time as Rafale/EF or J-20 with J-11Bs and J-10s.

LOL. UK is building 2 carriers and a handful of other ships. Amazing. So, awesome. India is nothing compared to the UK. We only have 40 ships, submarines and carriers under construction and orders for a 101 ships in total. OMG. So, scary. We have the second largest requirement for ships after the US until the next decade. We are currently twice as that of China when it comes to capital ships.

India planned a 10 year production cycle for 230 MKIs and we are on schedule. First deliveries happened in 2004, final delivery will happen in 2014. The next 42 will be made in 3 more years. So, that's a total of 272 aircraft in less than 14 years. Pretty impressive considering these are 40 ton airframe that take 13 months to manufacture. Comparatively the MRCA aircraft are smaller aircraft with superior manufacturing processes. They take a little more than half the time required for MKI including the SH. Considering I have taken a little over 1 sq a year, IAF may insist for 24 to 28 aircraft a year instead of the figure of 18/year that I gave and speed up production for all 200 possible orders by 2020. IAF has actually asked for 20 aircraft a year in their RFP. Considering The IAF forced the MKI production to increase from 10/year to 14/year, we may even see the same for MRCA.



But you were the one who asked for it.

Really, your sarcasm is uncalled for and again it shows you lack of maturity. What are you incapable of having a respectful debate???


We don't have to agree with each others opinions. Yet, we must be civil and shows a level of respect to everyone.

 

[Zebra]

F-35C EMALS launch informs UK carrier work

By Richard Scott , 11/28/2011

A first launch of the Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Carrier Variant (CV) using the Electro Magnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) has been performed at a US test site to build confidence in F-35C/EMALS compatibility.

Test aircraft CF-3 performed a single launch from the General Atomics-built EMALS demonstrator system at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, on 18 November.

Aircraft CF-3 had previously been launched from the TC13-2 steam catapult at Lakehurst and the TC-7 steam catapult at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland. Jane's understands that testing with EMALS was brought forward at the request of the UK as an early de-risking assessment to inform the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier Conversion Development Phase (CDP).

The UK had elected in 2002 to buy the F-35B short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of JSF to meet its Joint Combat Aircraft requirement. However, the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review saw the UK switch horses, dropping the STOVL version and opting instead for the F-35C CV variant.

The carrier-optimised F-35C is differentiated from the F-35A and F-35B variants by its larger wing surfaces (to provide superior handling for carrier approaches) and reinforced structure and landing gear (to withstand catapult launches and deck-landing impacts).

Defence Security Report
(SOURCE : janes.com)