F-35A RAN

[MAKO69]

Here's a what if possibility.

[MiGMasher]

Yeah, it sure would be nice, but like our world location, sometimes our brain location is also "Down Under" too. And as far as the ships that (if we got these a/c) would use them, well, I think it would have been better if we just purchased a modified "Wasp/Makin Island" LHD design.

 

The RAN has made it known that it wants a third LHD for sea control purposes. If they were to go that route then at the very least they should consider the upcoming "America" Class LHA's - They retain the Amphibious Assault capability, plus their size is commeasurate with their more aviation centred role. In that respect they are better than having a 3rd Canberra class LHD to fullfill sea control duties IMHO.

[PigDriver]

Yeah, it sure would be nice, but like our world location, sometimes our brain location is also "Down Under" too. And as far as the ships that (if we got these a/c) would use them, well, I think it would have been better if we just purchased a modified "Wasp/Makin Island" LHD design.

I think you mean, F-35B, MAKO. MiGMasher, I think that's a little unfair. The Canberra Class are an excellent design and the RAN did do a comparative analysis of the designs available.

While the Makin Island is an improvement on the Wasp Class, it is still based on 20 year-old design and if I'm not mistaken the Spanish Navy intends to operate F-35Bs from theirs so the concept is there. Given that the ADF is of the unenviable position of defending 1/5th of the Earth's surface, Canberra Classes equipped with a squadron of F-35Bs would come in very handy and would go a long way in replacing the loss of air power projection with the retirement of the F-111.

Personally, I think it's an absolute tragedy that the RAN has been without a fixed-wing Fleet Air Arm and not replacing the Majestic Class Carriers and Skyhawks and Trackers was one of the biggest mistakes in the ADF's history.

Edited October 13, 2008 by PigDriver

[SayethWhaaaa]

Personally, I think it's an absolute tragedy that the RAN has been without a fixed-wing Fleet Air Arm and not replacing the Majestic Class Carriers and Skyhawks and Trackers was one of the biggest mistakes in the ADF's history.

 

I'll second that! Getting successive governments to realise the true utility of the LHD/LPH, let alone the value of the Aircraft Carrier (compared to 4 other classes that do the same jobs) has been an exercise in futility. I hope I'm wrong, but I've got the feeling the Milky Bar Kid will deny the RAN the 3rd Flat top.