F-35B Lightning (RAF & RN)

[Timmymagic]

Keeps the Pratt engine.

Convenient for all international partners.

It's good news for the UK, there was never any real prospect of a full re-engining programme, so development of the F-135 is the best option for us.

[dmereifield]

Excuse my ignorance, but why is that convenient for international partners?

[Ron5]

Keeps the Pratt engine.

Convenient for all international partners.

It's good news for the UK, there was never any real prospect of a full re-engining programme, so development of the F-135 is the best option for us.

It's the best option for the UK because as far as I know, the new, new engines would only be supported on the F-35A & F-35C.

[dmereifield]

Excuse my ignorance, but why is that convenient for international partners?

We don't all have mansized budgets to go and re-engine like the US does...plus a lot of international users have completed their purchases and will have them all delivered by the time any alternative engine would be developed for new production. This way they get the ability to enhance their exisitng engines, using their existing support and maintenance arrangements at a reasonable cost.

It's the best option for the UK because as far as I know, the new, new engines would only be supported on the F-35A & F-35C.

There had recently been a quote from GE that they were looking to also adapt the engines to F-35B. But I suspect that that was a bit of marketing...probably no more than back of the fag packet stuff...and only achievable in new production or colossal cost.

[Ron5]

... mansized budgets ...

Very good

[sunstersun]

UK could do something like 2 meteors and 4 Cudas for 6 air to air missiles. Sidekick is not gonna be available for the B version.