The delays in the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 (Flight International, 6-12 January), due to weight and performance shortfalls, means that the argument to build an adaptable 60,000t carrier for the UK should be revisited. Chief of naval staff Admiral Alan West says the main reason is the two-year availability delay in the F-35 conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant. That may no longer be the case. The carrier-capable CTOL version (F-35C), with better performance, particularly range, should be reconsidered.
Tony Linden Reading, Berkshire, UK
Source: Flight International