F-35B OR F-35C? MY THOUGHTS

So apparently Ministers are once again debating which variant of the F-35 the UK should order -- the STOVL ("jump jet") variant, the F-35B, or the conventional take-off and landing variant, the F-35C. This rethink was prompted by potential cost increases associated with the currently selected F-35C.

Under current plans, the UK is set to procure the F-35C, which is the conventional take-off and landing variant which requires catapults and arrestor gear in order to be launched and recovered from the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers. Originally, the UK sought after the F-35B, a STOVL variant, which is launched and recovered in the same fashion as a harrier. In 2010, under the Defence and Security Review, the government changed it's order of F-35B to F-35C, as it was cited as being the more capable platform and (most importantly, to them, the government) cheaper in the long-term.

My Thoughts:

I would, personally, only ever accept a return to the F-35B if it meant both aircraft carriers were guranteed to come into RN service. At the moment, with the F-35C order, only one carrier is to be fitted with the necessary "cats and traps" equipment needed to launch and recover the C. The other (Queen Lizzie), which will come into service first, MAY be fitted with "cats and traps" during her first scheduled refit, cost permitting.

Between the two variants, I am strongly in favour of the C. The F-35C appears to be the more capable platform with a greater range, payload and fuel capacity, and it is also said to be cheaper in the long-term. Ordering the F-35C would also require "cats and traps". The "cats and traps" system destined for the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier(s) is the EMALS system developed by General Atomics in the United States. A contract has already been secured by the UK and General Atomics to provide the carriers with EMALS.

EMALS would allow for the launch and recovery of not only British F-35B's, but also other CTOL aircraft of the French, United States and (maybe) Brazilian Navies. We would see cross-decking and carrier interoperability like never before. EMALS would also open up the opportunity to purchase other CTOL platforms, like the US Navy's old Hawkeys and Vikings -- if we ever found we had the cash laying around.

The only two advantages I can see in acquiring the B is the cheaper cost (in the short term) and that it may guarantee both carriers see Royal Navy service. Other than that, the many advantages of the F-35C just blank out any reasons to get the B.
The U.S. Navy recently intervened and stated in a letter to the Defence Procurement Minister Peter Luff that the costs of converting the carriers with CATOBAR equipment would be half of what they expect. Apparently, there's a lot of pressure from the United States to procure the C and fit both carriers to a CATOBAR configuration.

The outcome of the decision is to be announced by the end of Easter. Here's hoping for the best (the best being, no reversion!)