On Aug 6, 12:01*pm, wrote:
"London's Daily Telegraph reports this morning
that the UK is preparing to switch from the short
take-off, vertical landing (STOVL) version of the
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to the F-35C carrier (CV)
model, because it costs less and has a greater
weapon load and range."

See:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs...plckController...

Not a bad idea if they have the deck length and/or catapault tech to
do it. Simpler and as they say better range. Maybe the payload is
better too, even with the STOVL ability to vent to help on a heavy
takeoff. That is an interesting question though.

If the UK ditches the F-35B model, will the USMC have
to switch to the F-35C too?

Not if the R&D is mostly done and budgeted.