But all in all I bet the French wish they would have built CdG 5000 tons larger …

Absolutely. IMHO, a new-build, stretched CdG of 50,000t displacement still makes sense today as an alternative to CVF FR. I’ve actually been toying with this idea:

Hull Plug
– Add a 15m plug below the island, between the propulsion and the munitions storage tranches, allowing you to significantly improve aviation facilities
– Compensate for the increased displacement by using silicone anti-fouling to retain a 27kt top speed
– Use CdG’s post-refit plans, since the refit addressed many equipment obsolescence issues, particularly on the communications side

Improved Aviation Facilities 😎
– 5 extra Rafales in the enlarged hangar and deck parking
– 30% more munitions and aviation fuel storage
– Fit 90m catapults, to enable Rafales to launch at >24t (e.g. with CFTs).
– Enlarge both lifts to carry 2 Rafales each, improving aircraft flow

Cost
– A follow-on CdG was costed at 2b euros in 2003 :eek:, significantly less than CVF FR (2.5 billion), despite have nuclear propulsion. CdG itself cost 2.2b euros in the mid-1990s.
– Additional cost savings of ~200MM euros are possible ;), by simplifying the combat systems and procuring parts from CVF UK. For example, use only one multifunction radar (Herakles) instead of 4 radars on CdG, take one of CdG’s Sylver launchers (16 Aster on each), buy the same lifts as on CVF etc.

See the image below for where CdG’s hull could be stretched:

(Original image: http://www.netmarine.net/bat/porteavi/cdg/caracter.htm)

And…the final result: 3rd carrier down from top. :diablo: