On May 2, 10:32 pm, Herbert Viola wrote:
In article .com,

Mike wrote:
· Carry only 70 percent as much fuel as the F-35C. Marines: That
advantage will be reduced by the F-35C's heavier weight, by the -B's
ability to fly from forward bases, and by the fact that the STOVL
version doesn't need to carry backup fuel in case it can't trap aboard
a carrier.

What does this mean?

I think it's suggesting that the STOVL version isn't likely to have
bolters like conventional carrier jets that have to go full A/B and
fly through the pattern again, so the reserve fuel fraction can be
lessened. The old "it's easier to slow down and land than land and
slow down" saw. I'm not sure it's valid, though.