A CATOBAR carrier can launch heavier aircraft configurations, preserve more range and payload, and operate fixed-wing support aircraft such as the E-2 Hawkeye. Those advantages make the F-35C and a catapult-equipped deck stronger for some long-range strike and surveillance missions. The F-35B accepts performance limits in exchange for being able to use short-takeoff and vertical-landing decks across several allied navies. In the image discussed, the B model could use all four carriers while the C model could use only the US CATOBAR ship. Cross-deck basing and shared operations can therefore outweigh maximum individual-aircraft performance when alliance flexibility is the procurement priority.
Notable Point · 38:53-40:04
F-35B interoperability versus CATOBAR performance
The F-35B sacrifices some range and payload but can operate across far more allied flight decks than the carrier-only F-35C.