As with earlier efforts to bring to fruition revolutionary technology, like the helicopter and the Harrier "jump jet, " the military undertakes difficult challenges when the pay-off is clear and the risks acceptable.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

The latter would, the Navy hopes, be the jump-jet variant of the future Joint Strike Fighter that America is currently developing.

ECONOMIST: The future of the Royal Navy

In its defence review in 2010, the coalition announced that it was cancelling the previous Labour government's decision to purchase jump-jet version of the Joint Strike Fighter (the F35-B) and opt instead for the catapult and trap (F35-C) type, which required a different set-up on deck.

BBC: Joint Strike Fighter planes (file pic)