"Henry J Cobb" wrote in message
...
Why do we need three different versions of the F-35?

What are the service requirements that are driving these three versions?

The Air Force's F-35A is the least expensive version and it requires
F/A-22s to clear the way so the Air Force needs runways anyway. Because
the Air Force always needs permission slips to operate they can't assume
that their bases will be in the country next door so they need more
range than the F-35B offers.

No F-22 is required.