Carlton Meyer
There is no need for a Navy "catapult" carrier version of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), which requires a strengthened fuselage, catapult attachment points, improved landing gear, and other modifications. This will cost an additional billion dollars to develop and build. Since the Navy plans to buy just 300 JSF aircraft, it should simply buy the (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) VTOL version, of which 642 are planned for the Marine Corps 60 for the Royal Navy, with possible sales to Italy, Spain, and even the U.S. Air Force.
Including one VTOL/JSF squadron in each carrier air wing would add new capabilities. Carrier operations during adverse weather are very difficult, and almost impossible with ice. VTOL/JSF aircraft can operate safely in any conditions. Although the prospect that Navy ships may suffer combat damage seems remote today, VTOL/JSF aircraft could operate from a damaged carrier deck. In addition, Marine VTOL Harriers operating from the USS Nassau proved that an aircraft carrier can launch a VTOL squadron four times faster than one requiring catapults.
VTOL/JSF could also operate from smaller LHD/LHA carriers if necessary, which may become vital if the number of aircraft carriers decline. VTOL/JSF aircraft could be attached to almost any Navy ship for a variety of missions. Finally, VTOL aircraft can make emergency landings on any ship or flat surface, an important advantage during chaotic combat operations.
VTOL/JSF aircraft can provide aircraft carriers with unique capabilities to complement those of the F/A-18E and future Navy stealth attack aircraft. Ironically, a single VTOL "naval" variant of the JSF would save over a billion dollars in R&D and simplify training and maintenance for the Navy/Marine team. Most carrier pilots will oppose a VTOL/JSF because they are too easy to operate from carriers; hard to understand, but true.
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e-mail May 1998