The post you are reporting:
I thought I would provide a bit more information on this subject:
The development of the electromagnetic catapults for the carriers is an interesting one. The big American carriers still use the old steam catapults (a British invention, post-war) so this system is way ahead of them. Currently there are no full scale working electromagnetic catapult systems in operation, it is in theory and model form only. If successful then that would make the British carriers the most advanced in the world, until the Americans install them that is. They have advantages, in theory, of greater reliability and efficiency compared to the steam versions.
On the conventional v VSTOL debate. VSTOL offers advantages in aircraft operations and an efficient use of deck space but against that it severely limits the types of aircraft that can be operated. Conventional carriers, equipped with catapults have the advantage of being able to operate a range of aircraft enabling a more versatile and balanced air group.
The VSTOL carrier can, once the Harrier has been de-commissioned, operate only the F35B, the Osprey tilt-rotor or helicopters. That means the vital airborne radar carriers need will have to be placed inside helicopters or the Osprey, rather than using much more capable aircraft with better operational ceilings and range. Also the only air to air refuelling option available would be F35B to F35B reducing combat/strike power and much less efficient than dedicated in-air refuelling aircraft.
As far as the F35 development is concerned there are three types of F35 being developed.
The F35A is for the US and other air forces. This version has the greatest payload, range and speed of all three versions.
The F35C is the carrier version. The version has to be equipped to operate from the bucking decks of aircraft carriers and so has to have arrester hooks fitted and a strengthened undercarraige. It is the additional weight that reduced the speed, range and payload. (I just realised I mixed up the C and B designations in a previous post...)
The F35B is the VSTOL version. This is the only one of the three that is capable of short take-off and vertical landing. It has a very different system to that employed by the Harrier using a large central fan to provide the lift along with vectoring rear exhaust nozzles. The space and weight (1,000 kilos extra) of the fan and associated VSTOl kit reduces further the payload, speed and range. There are also reliability problems due to the complexities of the fan. VSTOL apart this is the least capable of the three types and is the version currently on order for the RAF and Royal Navy. It is also the most expensive, costing $25m more per airframe.
About nine friendly countries are involved in the F35 development including Italy, Turkey and Canada along with the UK and the USA.
Despite my view that the F/A18 SuperHornet offers better value for the RAF/RN I suspect now that the F35C is what will eventually be purchased by the UK instead of the F35B or F/A18. It will certainly be a better all rounder than the F35B.