Of the three potential CV(F) types, which is the leading contender at this time? Or has one already been knocked out? BTW, if this topic has been posted to death, just say so.
CV – Cats & Wires with CV JSF – longer range, better performance. Organic fixed-wing AEW – option of fixed wing COD/ASW. Better group offensive capability due to higher performance AEW and fighter force (useful if you have to go inland, say, to Afghanistan). Increased training overheads for the RAF unit equipped with same – due to training all crews for carrier landings, even if land-based. Potentially more expensive fighters, per unit. Potentially higher manning requirements. Possible growth out to UCAV’s (dependent on Cats for launch) at later date.
STOVL – Ski-Jump with USMC JSF – shorter range, lower performance. No organic fixed-wing AEW, no fixed-wing COD/ASW. Lower group performance. Less offensive power. Less organic recon capability. Less potential for sea control and power projection. Lower training overheads for the combined RAF/RN air-units. Potential for fighters to be marginally cheaper (by a few million dollars each).
Hybrid – ##### child/version of the above two. One Cat + Wires for fixed-wing AEW (and potentially ASW/COD). STOVL fighter as above – with Ski-Jump – but with the wires on the deck. Has recon capability of the CV version (for sea control, as above, in addition to the primary AWACS role), and the marginal strike capability of the STOVL version (power projection, or lack of it). Cost and complexity of the CV version – or there-abouts – without the real benefit of the more capable fighter type. Training split for RN/RAF combined units on STOVL and for RN E-2C’s with Cats and Wires. Marginally higher airwing operating costs than the STOVL version.
Which would you recommend, and why?
Some factors to consider:
1. How vital is the commonality for the RAF/RN joint force? Would it be acceptable to get a 50:50 mix of STOVL and CV JSF’s? Is it worth compromising on the core capability of the very expensive carrier, just to have some commonality with a land based force (air)?
2. If the CV type is chosen, is the Rafale in with a chance? The JSF may be cancelled (unlikely, but possible), and it would be nice if there were a highly capable fighter to fill the deck if the JSF is lost. Could the British swallow their pride and “Buy French” (as a last resort)? Only the CV version offers this insurance.
3. Is a fully capable AEW platform seen as being vital to the RN? If so, the STOVL design is out.
4. Is the RN fixed on STOVL or is it actually hoping for a “real” Carrier and plane combo?
Kind Regards and best wishes to all,
Trader21
Links:
“http://warships1.com/BRcv10_CVF_specs.htm“
“http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/rafale.htm“
“http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/e-2.htm“
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December 23, 2001 at 10:18 am