Would the F-35C be a better fit for Canada?

F-35C with "probe-and-drogue" refueling.

Two of the criticisms that often come up when discussing the F-35's suitability for Canada are the incompatibility with Canada's aerial tanker assets along with questions regarding its ability to operate from icy runways.  Both of these issues can be addressed by adding modifications.  A retractable fuel probe and a drag chute can be added.  The trouble with this approach is that Canadian CF-35s would then be different, and therefore costlier than other F-35As.

There is a far more elegant way to correct these shortcomings, however, simply change a letter.

Canada's planned variant, the F-35A

But is this a better choice?

The carrier variant of the JSF, the F-35C, would seem like a far better choice.  Unlike the F-35A, which is intended to replace the F-16, the F-35C is meant to be a direct replacement for the F/A-18 Hornet.  This means that it works with most existing F/A-18 infrastructure.  The F-35C is equipped for probe-and-drogue refueling, meaning it is already compatible with Canada's CC-150 Polaris tankers.  It also has strengthened landing gear and an arrestor hook.  Needless to say, the F-35C should be able to operate much the same way as Canada's current CF-18 fleet.

Other aspects to the F-35C make it attractive as well.  Its larger wings allow it to carry more fuel.  They also fold up so that they take up less space.  It is also billed as having "ruggedized structures" and "durable coatings" making it seem like a much more suitable choice for Canada's harsh climate and rugged use.

Should Canada just simply buy the F-35C?

Er...  No.

While all that extra ruggedness sounds great, it translates into extra bulk.  At 34,800lbs empty, the F-35C is the heaviest JSF variant, weighing in at 2,400lbs more than the F-35A.  This extra bulk takes it's toll on performance, making the F-35A slower and less maneuverable than the A and B models.  While the F-35C can carry more fuel, it apparently needs too because its range is nearly identical to the F-35A.

This hit to performance isn't that much of a big deal, as it puts the F-35C roughly on par with the Super Hornet.

Selecting the F-35C would have other consequences, however.

F-35B with external gun pod.

Like the F-35B, the F-35C lacks an internal cannon.  A "multi-mission" gun pod that houses the same 25mm cannon as the F-35A is in development.  While it does offer some additional flexibility, mounting an external pod on a stealthily aircraft more or less defeats the purpose of a stealth aircraft. It also adds more bulk to an already bulkier aircraft.

Slower, clumsier, burns more fuel, and no internal cannon.  If those were the only issues regarding the F-35C for Canada, it still might make sense.  After all, the F-35's stealth and advanced sensors are meant to prevent the need for close-in dogfights where a cannon, agility, and speed might be needed.

There is one sure reason why the F-35C is not suitable for Canada, and it has nothing to do with the aircraft's performance:  Its cost.

The F-35C's unit recurring flyaway cost (URF) is a full $12 million more than a F-35A.  This URF is for the bare airframe only, it does not include fuel, lubricants, spares, training, support, or even an engine.  This also does not include the cost of any fixes that need to be done after the aircraft has left the assembly line.

The US navy hasn't been in much of a rush to acquire the F-35C.  High costs and troubles with the arrestor hook have led the USN to cut orders and push back the IOC (initial operational capability) until 2019, possibly even later.  In the meantime, the USN has pushed for more Super Hornets and Growler funding.  With no other customers lined up for the F-35C, the JSF's carrier variant could end up as the "bastard child" of the Lightning II family.

F-35C, not right for Canada.

It's fatter, slower, clumsier, and has no built-in gun.  It may be more rugged but it won't be operational until 2019 at the very earliest.  Most damning, the F-35C is a costlier variant of an aircraft already criticized for its high costs.  The likelihood of selecting the F-35C instead of the F-35A seem minuscule at best.

But weirder stuff has happened.