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This thread discusses some issues:

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=533255

Among them are size (it's wingspan exceeds the F-14) and the structure of the airframe (which wasn't designed for catapults/arrestors).

The other question is how the operational success of the thing doesn't stand up to the political process than creates mudballs.

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my understanding is that with the new non-steam electric driven catapults..they in fact can

The USS Ford can probably safely launch one. So you could do one-way Doolittle style raids. But their landing gear and the lack of an arrester hook means they're not strong enough for the controlled-crash that is a carrier landing.

You could probably do short landing using the GAU (fire the sucker while approaching as a gigantic, expensive and completely insane brake)

I bet the deck crews will love that.

Sigh. I really wish that HN supported "+1 funny" moderation. :)

"Hey guys, don't mind those DU shells flying over you! I just need to slow this bird down!"

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