Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:04:07-2:06:39

A hypothetical CATOBAR Queen Elizabeth air group

The suggested air group combines F-35Cs and Rafales, since developing a new British carrier fighter would add cost and delay.

Alternate HistoryAW101 MerlinCATOBARDassault RafaleF 35c Lightning IINaval ProcurementQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers
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Question

Would a CATOBAR Queen Elizabeth-class carrier have used American fighters or a British design?

Short answer

The suggested air group combines F-35Cs and Rafales, since developing a new British carrier fighter would add cost and delay.

Notes

A hypothetical complement of 24 F-35Cs, 24 Rafales and 24 Merlins is presented as a possible arrangement. Rafales would take air-defence and patrol tasks while F-35Cs concentrated on strike. The proposal also considers relations with France and the United States and the absence of a suitable British production aircraft. A carrier Gripen would need funded development. Claims about RAF preferences and the effect on Tempest are part of the procurement interpretation offered here, not a documented acquisition decision.