UK strengthens JSF commitment with aircraft carrier deal

Posted on: Jul. 26th, 2007 || Source: Flight Global | E-mail Article | Print Article

The UK's acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has moved a step closer to reality, with the Ministry of Defence having given its so-called Main Gate approval for the construction of two Future Aircraft Carriers (CVF) worth up to 3.9 billion Pounds ($8 billion).

To weigh 65,000t, each CVF vessel will deploy an air wing of up to 40 aircraft, typically including 36 short take-off and vertical landing F-35Bs, plus organic airborne early-warning aircraft – currently the Westland Sea King 7 airborne surveillance and control system – and AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin HM1 multi-mission helicopters.

FILE PHOTO - Artist's Impression of the US Navy F-35C Lightning II

Read the full article

• Boeing's C-130 AMP Flight Marks Completion of Software Development
• Navy UCAS Demonstrator On Track for First Flight
• Lockheed Demonstrates Intelligent Autonomous Control of Multiple UAVs
• Russian Navy aircraft test new equipment over the Arctic
• Russia may push forward with S-300 sales to Iran
• Boeing, US Navy Offer Super Hornet for Denmark Fighter Competition
• Boeing Awarded US Army Contract for 191 CH-47F Chinook Helicopters
• The Netherlands shows interest in Gripen
• 4th F-35 Lightning II Rolls Out As Production Line Fills Up At Lockheed
• Lockheed Martin C-5m Super Galaxy Completes Flight Test
• Air Guard Predator pilots increase combat air patrols
• Predator passes 400,000 hours
• Future Predator/Reaper Formal Training Unit announced
• Saab/Gripen team completes Hungarian offset contract
• South African Gripen deliveries on track