But we digress 😉

We do. 😉
About the AEW for the STOVL CVF, Mr.Beedall’s site mentions the possibility of rotary wing UAVs taking on the role, although this is of course a big “if”. It also shows some V-22 AEW concepts but says the program is unlikely to proceed.
http://navy-matters.beedall.com/masc.htm

My favourite ship;