Best option would have probably been Hermes as a stop gap with a new build Invincible. That would have given the closest capability match to what Melbourne was doing. Tomcats in any way, shape or form would have been an non-starter for the RAN. They’d need something about the size of CVF. Even Hornets would have been a stretch.

I blame Die hard 4.0:diablo:

It is actually not capable of doing what it did in that movie. Harrier, maybe but even it would be hard pressed and it would take a good portion of its fuel load.

And just how big is Afganistan’s coastline?

Ironic that you should mention that since air force tactical aircraft and army infantry could not participate in early operations. The only way in was through Pakistani airspace which was far more accessible by ship.

You mean the places where they have firestorms every time someone drops a cigarette? By the way, a Tornado has never done enough damage to any aircraft factory to an extent where it disrupts operations.

Sounds like Boeing is shooting itself in the foot by looking dodgey.:confused:

despite my belief that the A330 MRTT is the better aircraft, I still think the KC767 should and will win

Yeah pretty much. If Boeing wouldn’t have completely tried so screw over the tax payer, KC-767As would be in service right now.

why? as the F/A-18 has proven, carrier aircraft are adept at operating drom land in rough conditions- the smart money says one F-35 variant will be cut- The C can replace the A, not the other way round. without the A, the C’s price drops dramatically

The Air Force won’t allow it.

Clearly, in wartime no country is to concern about the damage that mite occur on some desolate stretch of road way. Nonetheless, I am sure some type of matting could be used during peace time training.

They care because they want their $100 million to be able conduct more than one sortie. You confuse end of war desperation with normal wartime operations.

Well, how is it that the F-35B is a STOVL Aircraft just like the Harrier II. Yet, somehow it can’t operate from austere locations

You fail to factor in that there is not a single way that STOVL works or in the vast majority of planned STOVL aircraft doesn’t work. The Harrier is a subsonic light attack aircraft based on a system of vectored trust with 4 nozzles with 180° motion. The F-35B is a supersonic medium strikefighter based on a lift fan system with at best 90° motion. This works on basically the same principles as the systems for the Yak-38/141.

To sum it up, the Harrier’s system gives up range, payload, and the ability to go supersonic for helicopter-like maneuverability. The Harrier’s system even allows it to fly backwards.

The F-35B gives up helicopter-like maneuverability for supersonic capability, payload, and range much closer to conventional aircraft. Its also easier to fly since the system is deigned more or less for landing only.

800 could take the rotation spot from an east coast marine squadron in 7 or 8 years but its not very likely. First off, the British government would have to give full consent for the squadron to be used at the discretion of the strike group commander if it enters a combat situation while deployed not matter what the british position was.