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Both F-35B and F-35C are the variants that can liftoff from a Carrier (aka: Navy) or WASP-class Assault Ship (aka: Marines) respectively. F-35A is the one that

Both F-35B and F-35C are the variants that can liftoff from a Carrier (aka: Navy) or WASP-class Assault Ship (aka: Marines) respectively. F-35A is the one that needs the full runway. This is a big deal, as the F35A has the best performance overall but needs the nicest conditions to launch. If the "hardest to launch" variant can be flown from a highway, then the other two models will do even better. This is a "steelman argument". We're demonstrating the worst F35 at this job. All other variants will do even better.

dragonwriter 3y ago
> Both F-35B and F-35C are the variants that can liftoff from a Carrier (aka: Navy) or WASP-class Assault Ship (aka: Marines) respectively. Other way around: F-35B is the Marine Corps STOVL variant, F-35C is the Navy CATOBAR variant. (No reason an F-35B couldn’t take off from and land on a regular carrier, too, but its the C that is made to launch with a catapult and catch an arrestor hook to land.)
- CydeWeys 3y ago
  And the simple mnemonic to remember it is that the F-35A is for the [A]ir Force and the F-35C is for [C]arriers.
  - fragmede 3y ago
    And the F-35B is the one that does [B]rief Take Off and Landing
    - psd1 3y ago
      Or [B]oo! Made You Jump.
3seashells 3y ago
Could a F-35A be launched from a near vertical catapult rail?
- t0mas88 3y ago
  No. The acceleration would be far above the design limits of the airframe.