This is essentially correct.
In V/STOL (or STOVL) mode the F-35 is dependent upon engine and lift-fan power getting it into the air as opposed to CTOL mode for most fixed-wing aircraft where air speed over the control services gets it airborne. In V/STOL mode, the F-35 is “lifting” of the lip of the ship’s deck via the downward force of its combined engine and fan as opposed to “flying” off of it.
“They generally don’t take off vertically for that reason — fuel consumption. You can get airborne with more payload with a rolling take-off. They only land vertically...”
Correct. The RAN 30 years ago perfected ops with the Harrier. They are at best with rolling, un-assisted loaded take-offs and vertical landings. Vertical take-offs are extremely un-efficient in anything other than the lightest of loads.
“For all of the negative press I have read about the F-35B you’d think the plane is an obsolete Turkey.”
Cost overruns, delays, etc. Lockheed is doing a fantastic job of wringing the utmost performance in a single compact airframe that could possibly be expected. The plane is meeting its performance goals and doing so within reason. I don’t have a whole of trouble with the product we’ve seen so far.
“The F35B is going to the Marines ONLY”
No. Just for the Marines it’s 400 airplanes. The -B is also intended for the Spanish, Italians, and Indians now. It was originally intended for the RAN but they’ve since moved to the -C USN STOL carrier version. Future potential customers are the Thai Navy, the Brazilian Navy, and maybe Australia from their helo LPDs.
When taking off from an amphibious assault ship. Rolling takeoffs from land bases sans lift fan can also be executed.
They are at best with rolling, un-assisted loaded take-offs
Unassisted? What are you attempting to say?
Vertical take-offs are extremely un-efficient(sic)
inefficient
It was originally intended for the RAN(sic)
Both the RN and RAF, no such animal as the RAN.
The -B is also intended for the Spanish, Italians, and Indians now.
Incorrect. Neither Spain or India has signed up for any variant of the F-35 let alone the B. A sales pitch to India outside the MMRCA has been made but nothing more.
-C USN STOL(sic) carrier version.
CV