The EE Lightning could fly that high many years ago. Did they ever attempt to launch anything from one ?

Eurofighter :diablo: Stealthy nose panelling and engine intakes and a twin tail in the fashionable more stealthy V formation. It wouldn’t be perfect but it might be better. Consider thrust vectoring, but may not be possible. 😎

I understand that Lego now have computer models to help them build the one off display pieces. It would make life easier at the design stage, thats for sure

Yes, but the 225 is in somewhat limited supply even though it could take 4 :diablo:

In terms of an airframe shortage I am sure the RAF could get a good deal in IL-76M or MF’s even if it was just for short term lease (They wouldn’t take a Chally 2 though) The optics on this wouldn’t be good either :confused:

One LPH that could act as a back-up support / escort carrier for the F-35 is a very attractive option to the Admirals. I have said on here before that getting ‘hidden capability’ past the bean counters & politicos is something that the MOD is very good at. Any LPH that might come along may not have a ski jump, but you may depend the plans for a temporary one will be sitting on a computer somewhere and of course the lifts from the hanger and the fuelling system would be capable from day one of operating an F-35.

The Ocean was a prime example of how easy it might be. It was a VERY cheap ship (about £300m in todays prices) because it used commercial standards for many things. Its not perfect, being too slow for one thing, but building a slightly larger one would still be possible for 35-40% of the cost of a CVF. Now if the hull were to be built in the far east then an economic option could be found. I am not sure that such a vessel needs a dock though. The RN already has a very good amphibious capability.

Sens, Found it, thanks for the tip off re the news. I have posted a separate thread