The only real disappointment with the STOVL variant of the F-35 is the reduced internal weapons load. If its going to attack with a 2,000lb standoff weapon like JSSM or JDAM it will have to load it on wingpoints. There is a 1,000 lb standoff weapon available but I dont believe the Brits have bought it, or are going to.
On the other hand even the Yank CTOL and C versions will probably very likely carry standoff weapons on the outside with the exception of very high priority targeting such as air defense targets. Even then we send in strike teams with electronic warfare airplanes along. Currently converted F-18 "Growlers" are coming on-line. I dont know what a hardpoint 2,000 lb weapon will do to a stealth F-35s LOS but it cant do nothing good. On the other hand some of the standoff weapons it will carry, such as Stormshadow, are very stealthy their ownselves. And have a respectable range.
And On the other hand STOVL aircraft are extremely versatile. The Brits are very experienced in operating them, having written the book themselves. Dont forget Yanks fly them too and they are one of only a handful of foreign airplanes we have bought during our military history. The bloody things can about operate anywheres.
And no matter how you look at it the new Lizzies and F-35Bs are going to be a revolutionary step up in capability. Their is no new limitations regarding STVOL because they already have them, and only them, and the F-35B is going to be a big step up from the AV-8s. Far more range, far bigger payload, far better LOS, far better performance all around.
