i assumed as much, was just curious :)
This is slightly off topic so I’ve foldered it and if we wish to discuss further we can bring it to an appropriate thread.
@BeautifulTai_wan @vizender
Spoiler
The QE class design due to the amount of indecision by the UK MoD was redesigned 3 times to arrive at the final configuration, this configuration is based on the 2nd revision which allowed for UK-US co-developed EMALS Cats and Traps. The point being that configuration 3 (current one) can be remade into configuration 2 if the need arises.
More likely imo that the UK simply uses larger aircraft or different aircraft with an F-35C purchase. Navalised Typhoon is an option. The QE class is an 80,000 tonne class design, ships of that size operated F-14’s in US service so larger jets like KF-21 EX could be a possibility if the UK really did not want F-35 given SK is also reportedly interested in licensing the UK’s QE carrier design. However for better or for worse (I would argue it’s a mix of the two) the UK is tied in with F-35 and won’t move away from it though switching to C’s and A’s could be a thing (ideally just C’s).
This is half true/misses out a big portion of the situation; the UK could afford EMALS, the carriers have a relatively low unit price. The issue was A. EMALS was unproven and the UK did not have pre-existing steam catapult carriers to rely upon in case EMALS didn’t work and B. the F-35B’s V/STOL capabilities offered a capability the UK was very familiar with and had patented, and given Rolls-Royce’s partnership with the B variant specifically it was to help them out. C. Thirdly, as the programme did not use the F136 engine to replace F135 for which RR was a primary designer, this also helped them out.
F-35B is comparably priced to the Rafale or Eurofighter for the UK when you consider economic partnerships and their regains and also the Rafale’s not subsidies but the heavy economic involvement of the French banks in the Rafale’s pricing. Secondly, I object to foreign, its more of a joint project given BAE has an estimated 35% stake. It just sucks that the US has as of recent become a horrendous partner to work with.
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Would give France a decent IR missile though 😜
Heh, I know you are trolling, but ASRAAM and MICA are in the same league in the end.
France has stopped developing and then using shorter range IR missiles, which might be useful in specific situations
That’s not true, the MICA is intended for short range as much as close bvr
It’s literally in the name, missile for interception, combat and autodefense
Rafales use it as the close range missile irl, while long range is covered by meteors
While it is usable in short range, it’s not going to be as effective in turn fights as say an IRIS-T, just because it is not meant to pull as much, since it also needs to have range.
That was mainly my remark.
IRL, this is mostly a non issue since dogfights are insanely unlikely , much less 1v1 turn fight, but it could be a niche in game, hence « in specific situations »
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More exercices, it’s Croatia next if i’m not wrong.
Poland | F16 & Rafale as a team during PEGASE25
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