Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:28:03-2:29:12

Why a common F-35B fleet can simplify a smaller navy

For a navy operating both carriers and LHDs, a common F-35B force can make cross-decking and air-group management easier than maintaining two incompatible aircraft systems.

Aircraft CarriersF-35BLHDNaval Logistics
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Question

On additional carriers, should the Royal Navy buy more F-35Bs or fit catapults and arresting gear?

Short answer

Retain the F-35B because common aircraft across carriers and LHDs make the overall fleet more flexible and less complex to support.

Notes

Aircraft commonality gives a smaller navy operational flexibility. Ski-jump LHDs and fleet carriers could support the same F-35B aircraft and helicopters. Commanders could move helicopters toward the amphibious ship and concentrate fighters on the carrier, or use an LHD as a temporary light carrier when availability demanded it. Maintaining a separate F-35C fleet would create another training and logistical chain that would be difficult to justify.