Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:47:17-2:48:28

Queen Elizabeth carriers if the F-35B failed

An early F-35B failure would probably lead to a CATOBAR design, with the number of carriers and their air groups still uncertain.

Carrier AviationCATOBARF-35BQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal Navy
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Question

If the F-35B failed, would Britain still build Queen Elizabeth as a CATOBAR carrier?

Short answer

Probably, if the failure came early enough in design; cost, carrier numbers, and the eventual air group would remain open questions.

Notes

CATOBAR options existed during the Queen Elizabeth design process, including the work associated with French participation. If the F-35B failed early enough, Britain would probably adopt catapults and arresting gear. EMALS would make that an expensive choice, but continuing with Harrier was not considered a viable alternative. Whether both carriers survived and which aircraft they operated would depend on why the F-35B failed and the circumstances at the time.