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Originally Posted by PeriscopeDepth
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WRONG the F/A-35 is capable of landing on short fields (unpaven fields too IIRC)
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STOVL B model I'm assuming you're talking about? The least useful to US, most complicated version.
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How is that not useful? Takeoff from short or unpaven fields is something the US Military has been lacking for a very long time. What happens when someone bombs and airfield and fighters can't take off? Or if you have to invade a country like Afganstain where there are no pristine airfields to use? This is why the RAF uses the BAe Harrier, and why the USAF is considering the F/A-35B.
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and can launch and trap from a carrier.
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IF it is the C model.
Speaking about C model... I wonder if Blue Angels will eventually upgrade to Super Hornet or F-35? I'm betting Super Hornet.
PD
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The only major diffrence with the C model is that it has bigger gear undercarage with a double forward wheel, wider wings and anti-corrosion paint. The great thing about the F/A-35 is that each model is basicly the same aircraft with a few changes to the airframe or the additon of a lift fan (which personaly I dislike because its unable to VIFF and is dead weight after takeoff.)
I think the Blue Angles will keep whatever aircraft is more fuel efficent or not needed by front line units.