Possible Voyager Boom upgrade

[tm74sqn]

Is it possible to modify F-35A to have F-35B type nose with AAR probe? Then, if the RAF wants that hybrid-variant F-35A, our existing RAF AAR tankers could be used.

[Malcolm]

Is it possible to modify F-35A to have F-35B type nose with AAR probe? Then, if the RAF wants that hybrid-variant F-35A, our existing RAF AAR tankers could be used.

Of course it's possible. I think it was reported that the Canadians were quoted something like $2Bn to do the development work.

[Supra]

Anything is possible if your pockets are deep enough! BUT, that modification would require a whole new Certification process with all the testing/approvals taking a very long time & most likely at the sole expense of the UK unless we can get some other Nations also up Turd-Creek to split the cost....coz we didn't get the full monty tankers from the outset. Makes the F-35A even more costly per manufactured unit & a delayed in-service date. Of course, we could put the first couple of A models into Boscombe Down & have them scab-on some external pipework which takes time & money, screws-up the Radar signature & generally delays the operational schedule too. Two wrongs don't make a right!

[Supra]

Forgot to add that fudging the F-34A to probe still leaves the UK without the opportunity to AAR its other American-built heavy assets via Boom transfer. Boscombe Down could have all them in & Pop some probes on them too!... but IIRC the internal plumbing aspect didn't go too well with the Nimrod retrofit?