UK strengthens JSF commitment with aircraft carrier deal

Published: Jul 26, 2007
Source: Flight Global



The UK's acquisition of the Lockheed Martin <a href="/page/48/F-35-Lightning-II.html">F-35 Joint Strike Fighter</a> 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 &#8211; currently the Westland Sea King 7 airborne surveillance and control system &#8211; and AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin HM1 multi-mission helicopters.

<center><a href="/php/displ_img.php?imgurl=/MIL/jsf/f-35c_carrier_approach.jpg"><img src="/MIL/jsf/f-35c_carrier_approach_sm.jpg" alt="Artist's Impression of the US Navy F-35C Lightning II" /></a>
<p class="cap">FILE PHOTO - Artist's Impression of the US Navy F-35C Lightning II</p></center>continue..