The RAF would like to receive some F-35Cs as well, since they are one of the few prospects for replacing the Tornado GR-4s – so a total of 8 squadrons (4 RN, 4 RAF) of F-35Cs would be called for, plus 4 squadrons of F-35Bs (jointly). This would, obviously, require a larger JCA purchase, but this is probably necessary anyway.

Actually, wouldn’t it be F-35As that the RAF might procure as Tornado GR4 replacements, or apart from naval equipment, is there no difference between the F-35A & C?

I agree with those who say we should have a mixed F-35 force. Bs for the RAF and Cs for the RN. The Bs would fill the important niche presently occupied by the Harriers whilst the Navy could have the (apparently) superior C model necessitating cats, wires etc.

When designed, Eagle and Ark Royal were able to carry about 100 aircraft (1945 types) in their two hangers. Both hangers had their heights raised to approximately 17.5 feet during the design phaseto enable them to carry the latest US aircraft. By the time Ark Royal entered the service here airgroup had dropped to about 55 (allegedly 80 in wartime). Then post 1961 this went down to 48 and finally following her 1967-70 ‘Phantomisation’ refit, 39 made up of 12 Phantoms (892sqn), 14 Buccaneer S2s(809sqn), 5 (later 4) Gannets -Including one cargo type(849sqn B flight), 6 Sea Kings (later 7 following the COD Gannet’s withdrawl) (824sqn) and 2 Wessex (ship’s flight).

Hey, Why no mention of the F4-K aka FG1? For years it was the RAF’s only air defence Phantom (43 Sqn I believe back in 1969 received the aircraft originally ear-marked for the RN for embarkation aboard HMS Eagle before that ship was prematurely de-commissioned in 1972).

I agree with you Musashi, though unfortunately that does legitamise the Argentine attacks on us as well.
I just wonder what might have been if one of the following scenarios had happened:
The senior Argentine representative was summoned to see the Foriegn Secretary or the PM and given a few days for the Argentines to vacate the Falklands or a target in Argentina with a similar population to the Falkland Islands is destroyed by a Polaris nuclear strike. After that a couple more days will be given, and if the Argentine occupation forces still don’t withdraw, Buenos Aires will be next.

The second scenario is what if any Falkland Islanders had been killed by occupying forces?

The final scenario is what if we’d failed to take them back using the task force and landings?

I must empahasise that this is purely speculative on my part and I certainly don’t necessarily endorse lobbing nukes at anyone in modern day Argentina.