Neither the F-35B nor the F-35C carries a gun. The USAF's F-35A is the only model affected by this issue.
Also, the Marines want the STOVL F-35B for operation on LHA/LHDs, as well as small island bases with short/limited runways. It's not just the ski-jumping Brits who want that feature.
With that said, you're right that the STOVL capability has added substantial complexity to the airframe.
Also, the Marines want the STOVL F-35B for operation on LHA/LHDs, as well as small island bases with short/limited runways. It's not just the ski-jumping Brits who want that feature.
With that said, you're right that the STOVL capability has added substantial complexity to the airframe.