"Could you see the U.K. shifting from buying the “B” model to the conventional “A” model?
Yes. It’s been a live topic over the years in the United Kingdom, and to that, I also say: “Never say never.” But that’s a decision for the future, and that’s something that perhaps my successor will come back to."
KushanGaming
commented
2 years ago
DB Selector
DB3K
Hypothetical
Yes
Name
F-35A Lightning II
Country
UK
Service
RAF
In Commission
2018+
Length (m)
15.67
Wingspan (m)
10.7
Height (m)
4.33
Empty Weight (kg)
13300
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) (kg)
31800
Payload Weight (kg)
6810
Crew
1
Propulsion
F135PW-100
Rate of Climb (ft/min)
32610
Service Ceiling (ft)
50000+
Military/Afterburner Speed (kt)
1066
Cruise Speed (kt)
480
Supercruise
No
Ferry Range (nm)
2400
Endurance (min)
Same as USAF F-35A
Takeoff / Landing Distance (m)
Same as USAF F-35A
Fuel Capacity (kg)
8375
Sensors
Same as UK F-35B.
Mounts
1x 25mm GAU-22A internal cannon Otherwise, same as UK F-35B minus the external gunpod.
Loadout Options
Same as UK F-35B, minus gunpods. However, a hypothetical option for x6 Meteor AAMs could be added with "Sidekick" in the future.
Comms/Datalinks
Same as UK F-35B.
Aircraft Codes
Terrain Avoidance, Terrain Following, Fly-by-Wire, Night Navigation (Ferry, Air-to-Air, Air-to-Surface Missiles), Night Navigation/Attack (Incl. Bomb, Rocket Delivery), Bombsight - Advanced Navigation (INS/GPS), Helmet Mounted Sight / Display (HMS/HMD), Probe Refuelling
Comments
"Could you see the U.K. shifting from buying the “B” model to the conventional “A” model?
Yes. It’s been a live topic over the years in the United Kingdom, and to that, I also say: “Never say never.” But that’s a decision for the future, and that’s something that perhaps my successor will come back to."
Sources
https://www.defensenews.com/interviews/2021/05/09/britains-royal-air-force-chief-talks-f-35-tally-and-divesting-equipment/